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 are considering offering the soon-to-be 29-year-old a long-term contract next offseason.

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

Johnson has been speculated as 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 it 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 help the Panthers earn their first victory on September 22 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He connected with Johnson for eight receptions, 122 yards and a touchdown in that game.

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

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