'A Sigh Of Relief' - Diontae Johnson Couldn't Be More Thrilled To Be Done With The Panthers Disaster And Traded To A Super Bowl Contender
What player, especially a wide receiver, would have any other reaction in this scenario? It's what any player would be thinking. You're off a team that has no idea what to do at quarterback, is a miracle if they win a game and you know every week is set up for disaster to now the reigning MVP and a team who should be a Super Bowl contender. Sigh of relief? That's a minor miracle since the Panthers traded for him in March.
I say this all the time, but more athletes should talk like this. You get traded from a bad team to one that should be in the playoffs and the shortlist of good teams in the league, you openly talk about how awesome it is. No need to hide your excitement or happiness of being on a team that can win. I know Diontae Johnson had his problems in Pittsburgh, but who cares? If he can help your team win, you do it. Plus it's not like they gave up much for him. It's a pick swap in the 5th round and 6th round.
My guess is he would have said this with any possible trade. There were a bunch of options on good teams to send Diontae Johnson, was just a matter of where the Panthers sent him. Wide receivers aren't ones to hide how they are feeling. I kinda wish he got to play against the Panthers just to see his reaction. He should be sending them a gift for trading him and looking at the Bryce Young/Andy Dalton QB group.