Who Should I Start? D.K. Metcalf or Diontae Johnson

Monday, January 8, 5:00 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf saw a team-high six targets in Week 18 but had just one catch for 10 yards in Sunday's win, making it his least productive game of the year. Most of the balls that went Metcalf's way were well off-target as quarterback Geno Smith was under intense pressure and hurrying throws for most of the game. Metcalf was denied two additional receptions as well. The first was denied by a pass interference penalty that Seattle accepted to gain a first down and the other was overturned upon official review. It was a disappointing end to the season for Metcalf, who had just two top-12 finishes in 2023. Despite the down year, he still had his third 1,000-yard season in his five-year career, ending with 66 catches for 1,114 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Metcalf, under contract through 2025, will return to Seattle next season as their top receiving threat.

Tuesday, March 12, 7:35 PM

The Carolina Panthers acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson and pick No. 240 overall in this year's NFL draft from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and pick No. 178 overall in this year's draft, according to sources. The move leaves the Steelers dangerously thin at the receiver position, with George Pickens and Calvin Austin III as the team's top two wideouts with Johnson gone. Johnson, 27, finished last year with a career-low 51 catches for 717 yards and five touchdowns. He'll move to a Panthers offense desperately seeking playmakers and should be one of quarterback Bryce Young's top targets, other than veteran Adam Thielen. Johnson's chances for a fantasy rebound in 2024 don't look great in Carolina, but perhaps he can develop some nice chemistry with Young and feed off volume.