Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Justin Jefferson

Wednesday, July 3, 6:35 PM

The Carolina Panthers made no move to extend wide receiver Diontae Johnson after trading for the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout in March, as they prefer to see whether he emerges as the explosive, coverage-separating pass-catcher that quarterback Bryce Young and the offense lacked in 2023. If Johnson proves he's a difference-maker in his first year in Carolina and if he doesn't become a distraction when the ball doesn't come his way, he could be set to cash in next offseason in a receiver market that has exploded in recent years. The 27-year-old disappointed as Pittsburgh's top receiver last year, catching a career-low 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson will now be competing with veteran Adam Thielen for targets in what was the worst offense in the league last year. Most of Johnson's fantasy value will be tied to how much Young improves in Year 2. Consider Johnson a low-end WR3/high-WR4 target in fantasy drafts.

Monday, June 3, 10:12 AM

All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson has agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension to remain with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL and includes $110 million in guaranteed money. The No. 22 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is arguably one of the best players in the league, regardless of position, and he has posted 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns through his first 60 games. At just 24 years old, he has been named to three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro squads. He also won the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award after posting 1,809 receiving yards. Jefferson is well on pace to become a future Hall of Famer, so hopefully, he can stay healthy after missing seven games last year. Although he's set to play with Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in 2024, he should remain at least a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football.