Bills should claim former Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson

The Buffalo Bills have a chance to add another dynamic pass catch for Josh Allen's MVP race in former Steeler, Panther, and Raven Diontae Johnson. He could be a big time addition down the stretch for the team.

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) reaches for an incomplete pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. / Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images / Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Diontae Johnson now will go on waivers and can be claimed Monday at 4 pm ET. There is, in the opinion of some, a reasonable chance that Johnson will be claimed Monday. https://t.co/8DxktWeSEQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2024

As the NFL season unfolds and teams make strategic decisions in shaping their rosters, the Buffalo Bills find themselves in an interesting position. The opportunity to add a player of Diontae Johnson’s caliber could elevate the team even further. With the recent news of his release, now is the time for the Bills management to act decisively and consider signing the talented wide receiver.

Diontae Johnson, known for his explosive playing style and exceptional route-running ability, has been a standout in the league during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His performance over the past seasons has shown that he is a receiver who can stretch the field and make key plays, essential for any team aiming for the playoffs. With a career average of over 11 yards per reception, Johnson is not just a possession receiver; he’s a game-changer who can turn short catches into long gains. According to Spotrac.com, Johnson would only cost a 2-week proration of his remaining minimum salary.

One of the most significant advantages of bringing in Johnson is his ability to complement the existing wide receiver corps. The Bills already have a strong foundation with Keon Coleman, Amari Cooper, and Khalil Shakir leading the way, but adding another playmaker like Johnson can create formidable mismatches against opposing defenses. Johnson’s speed and agility would open up opportunities for Shakir, allowing him to work more effectively against double coverage and freeing up space in the middle of the field for other offensive options. This combination could give the Bills one of the most dangerous receiving combos in the league. This could be a pivotal moment to make a savvy acquisition. The current window of opportunity for the Bills is open; acquiring a player of Johnson’s caliber can solidify their chances of making a deep playoff run. One of the bigger reasons would be for the Bills to keep him away from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he would be a perfect match for Patrick Mahomes. The Bills would have the waiver priority over the Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, and Eagles. Johnson must clear waivers now that the trade deadline is completed.

In recent seasons, the Buffalo Bills have demonstrated that they are serious contenders in the AFC, consistently pushing deeper into the playoffs. However, to get over the hump, they need to add that extra spark, a player who can create chaos for opposing defenses. Signing Johnson may not only enhance the offense but also bring fresh energy to the team amid the long grind of the NFL season.

Adding a dynamic player like Diontae Johnson to the roster would not only excite the fan base but also signal the franchise's commitment to winning now. The time is ripe for the Bills to make a bold move, and signing Diontae Johnson could be exactly what's needed to elevate them to new heights. Securing Diontae Johnson’s services presents a golden opportunity for the Buffalo Bills to strengthen their offense and solidify their status as premier contenders in the NFL.

Vintage Diontae Johnson performance in Week 4:

13 targets
21.3 PPR points
Multiple near-miss TDs and a dropped deep ball pic.twitter.com/AzHjnu79Yf

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) September 30, 2024