Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Michael Pittman Jr.

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.

Thursday, July 25, 2:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) took part in Thursday's training camp practice. His status is worth noting after he suffered an injury scare with his knee during OTAs in the spring. Pittman has led the Colts in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, setting career-high figures in catches (109) and receiving yards (1,152) last season. The 26-year-old star wideout will need to build chemistry with quarterback Anthony Richardson and put up more touchdowns if he wants to jump to the next level in 2024, but Pittman is the clear-cut top target in Indianapolis' offense and is shaping up as a steady WR2 pick in the third-round of 12-team fantasy drafts this summer.