last week the carolina panthers pulled off the most shocking trade in the NFL so far this season. Not that the move itself was shocking: Everyone and their mother expected Diontae Johnson to be traded before the trade deadline. No, what was really surprising was how little the Panthers received from the Baltimore Ravens as part of the deal.

If you thought sending a sixth-round pick and paying virtually all of Johnson’s salary the rest of the season and only getting a fifth back was a terrible return, you weren’t alone. Apparently, a lot of people in the NFL were surprised by the compensation. According Jonathan Jones on CBS Sportshis sources in the league were “stunned.”

“Sources from around the NFL were stunned by the wide receiver’s decision Diontae Johnson…Teams typically get a higher draft pick by “buying out” the contract, or a lower one by passing the contract to the next team. In this case, the Panthers (1-7) got what could be a 10-12 pick upgrade on Day 3 of the 2025 draft while also paying Johnson’s salary to go to Baltimore. Although there had been Communication problems between Johnson and the team were previously reported, the return was less than expected. “It was by far the lowest compensation of the four big names traded before the deadline.”

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