Diontae Johnson rumors: Panthers ‘considering’ long-term contract amid NFL trade buzz | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

In his sixth season, newly acquired Carolina Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson has effectively filled the void left by former receiver DJ Moore, who joined the Chicago Bears.

According to ESPN’s David Newton, the Panthers plan to consider offering the soon-to-be 29-year-old a long-term contract during the upcoming offseason.

Johnson is in his first season with the Panthers following an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting in all four games and averaging 60 yards per game along with two touchdowns.

There has been speculation that Johnson is a possible trade target for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, but head coach Dave Canales dismissed the idea, telling reporters he “didn’t see that happening.”

After Young’s first two starts of the season, he was benched in favor of 36-year-old Andy Dalton, who stepped in to lead the Panthers to their first win on September 22 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He connected with Johnson for eight receptions, 122 yards and one touchdown in that matchup.

In the Panthers’ first two games with Young, the quarterback and wide receiver duo only connected for 34 yards.

Johnson and the Panthers will look to bounce back from their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals when they take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday.