Sometimes it takes time for players to adapt to their new surroundings. Everyone has an adjustment period when they get a new job. There are new people to know and different systems to understand. This is a huge time for Johnson to figure out a way to adjust quickly to his new team. Carolina has been terrible over the past handful of seasons and is desperate for success.
They added Johnson via trade from the Steelers in a deal that sent Donte Jackson back the other way and a late-round pick swap. A cheap price for a quality receiver in the NFL. The thing is, there was a reason Pittsburgh was willing to move Johnson for cheap. Rumors are out there that Johnson was a bad influence on the locker room.
No matter if Johnson was a bad teammate or not, he still produces quality numbers every year. He is someone the Panthers need on their team to help their young quarterback, Bryce Young. We will see if the addition of Johnson is their fix throughout this season, but everything hasn't been going smoothly for the ex-Steelers receiver.
If Johnson wants a big contract extension at any point this year, he must find ways of showing he is worth that cost. Carolina has a lot of money to spend, but they won't just pitch out the money for a fun shopping spree. As Johnson enters the final year of his contract, he must find ways to make plays on a team that is expected to finish towards the bottom of the standings.
It has not been all sunshine and rainbows for Diontae Johnson in Carolina
Ever since the trade happened, Johnson has received fairly good reviews throughout the off-season workout portion of the off-season. He showed that he could be a shifty route runner who could find openings on any defense. It was a happy start to his marriage with the Panthers, but things have gotten a little rocky since.
Injuries have been a lingering issue for Johnson throughout Carolina's training camp. He was sidelined with a groin issue for a chunk of time this preseason. It led to him missing game action. Once he returned to practice, he nearly suffered a catastrophic injury. Luckily for him, he was able to dodge that potential season-ending injury.
Johnson has yet to make an impact during a preseason game. He has either been out of the lineup due to a coaching decision or has missed time with a nagging injury. Right now, this star receiver is not on the hot seat, but he could quickly turn into that. The amount of time missed this preseason could create a ripple effect for him this year.
When things are going well for Johnson, he is one of the best receivers in football. If things start to go south, then issues start to arise in a hurry. The Steelers are still hindered since they traded Johnson, but it might have been the right call. The contract question and his potential issues as a teammate were something Pittsburgh just couldn't afford to deal with.