Bryce Young will have a big play wide receiver to target in the fall for his sophomore season in the National Football League with the Carolina Panthers.
The former Alabama quarterback struggled as a rookie in 2023, but he did not have consistent help. Young has a new head coach, and the Panthers look to put weapons and offensive linemen around him to ensure success.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner now has Diontae Johnson as a weapon. Johnson comes over the Carolina after five years (2019-23) with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A new duo in Carolina 👀@Juiceup__3 | @_bryce_young pic.twitter.com/pMyREbZU5o
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 13, 2024
The native Floridian was a third-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft from Toledo.
Johnson made two-time first-team All-Mid American Conference (MAC) in 2017 and 2018 and made his first Pro Bowl for the Steelers in 2021.
He posted career-highs for receptions (107), receiving yards (1,161), and touchdowns (eight) in 2021. The 5-foot-10, 183-pounder made second-team All-Pro in 2019 with 59 catches for 680 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 20 kickoff returns, including one for a touchdown.
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Johnson produced 4,363 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in five seasons in Pittsburgh, including a 1,000-yard campaign in 2021.
Carolina has someone to pair with Young to generate success in its offense.
The No. 1 overall selection from the 2023 draft should have a much better sophomore season in the fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
