The Baltimore Ravens are on a mission, winning seven of their first 10 games as they currently sit at fourth in the AFC standings. When it comes to free agency, however, one of their best receivers could be looking for a change of scenery.

Baltimore has witnessed a remarkable season from star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is on the trajectory of securing his second straight MVP award (third overall). After 10 games, he has thrown for 2,669 yards and 24 touchdowns and two interceptions, on pace to shatter his numbers from last season. He also rushed for 538 yards and two scores, making his ability as a dual threat remain elite.

His displays have allowed Baltimore to be secure in the playoff picture, but they seemed to be needing another source of firepower to take some of the workload off Jackson. They seemed to have done that when they made the acquisition to send a 2025 fifth-round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick.

Johnson, who caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this year with the Panthers after five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was seen as a player who could be a crucial difference maker in a Ravens’ offense. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 after making a career-high 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, showing that he can make an immediate impact in a solid offense when given the opportunity.

However, things have yet to pan out for the star receiver in his new role. In his first two games as a Raven, he has only caught one pass from Jackson for six yards as the team figures out how to utilize Johnson’s skillset in the team’s offense.

Whatever adjustments they have would have to be done soon; otherwise, it might end up with Johnson testing the free agent waters in 2025.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler published an article on Nov. 13 that went over the top free agents of the 2025 offseason. Of the players they mentioned, Johnson is placed 23rd on the list.

“Johnson has the inside/outside flexibility to play all three receiver spots. He can separate at the top of the route with his sudden movement and ability to run after the catch,” Bowen said.

Fowler views Johnson to be in a “precarious spot,” seeing his ability to beat coverage and win for his quarterback as high value although it has yet to be maximized with the Ravens at the moment.

“Where he falls in free agency will hinge partly on how he finishes in Baltimore, which has a streaky track record with accomplished receivers (See: Odell Beckham Jr.). He’s on a winner and will be plenty motivated down the stretch, though. Baltimore will likely take a wait-and-see approach toward a possible re-signing,” Fowler said.

It is logical to wait and see how Baltimore gets the best out of Johnson without compromising key parts of the offense, especially for Jackson. However, if the Ravens are to make a Super Bowl run, they’ll need to adjust and adapt accordingly to fulfill their potential as a championship contender.

The Ravens have a big AFC North rivalry matchup on the way, taking on the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is set for Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. ET