Baltimore Ravens GM explains the decision to bring Diontae Johnson back, emphasizing his value, leadership, and potential to elevate the team.

In the world of the NFL, roster decisions can define a team’s future success or failure. With each move carrying the potential for significant impact, general managers are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring their teams are positioned for long-term success. The Baltimore Ravens, a team known for its rich history, strong defensive play, and dynamic offense, have made a crucial decision this offseason: bringing back Diontae Johnson, one of the league’s most talented wide receivers, for another year.

While Johnson has been a key figure for the Ravens in recent years, his return for the 2025 season has raised some eyebrows. His contract negotiations, the role he plays in Baltimore’s offensive scheme, and how his addition influences the team’s long-term plans have all been subjects of discussion. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was quick to offer insight into the team’s rationale behind the decision. His explanation centered not only on Johnson’s talent but also on his invaluable leadership qualities and his potential to help elevate the Ravens to new heights in the coming season.

Diontae Johnson: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the rationale behind the decision, it’s important to understand who Diontae Johnson is and what he brings to the table.

A standout wide receiver, Johnson made a name for himself after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Known for his quickness, precise route running, and ability to create separation, Johnson quickly became a key weapon in Pittsburgh’s offense. His ability to make plays from both the slot and out wide, along with his reliability in crucial moments, made him one of the most versatile wide receivers in the league.

During his time with the Steelers, Johnson’s consistency and ability to stretch the field as a deep threat helped him rack up impressive numbers. Over the course of his career, he has recorded over 3,000 receiving yards, over 20 touchdowns, and continues to be a playmaking force who excels at gaining yards after the catch. However, it’s not just his on-field performance that has earned him respect across the league. Diontae’s leadership, work ethic, and ability to elevate the play of his teammates have also been key components in his success.

For the Baltimore Ravens, adding Diontae Johnson to their already potent offensive roster was a decision rooted in his skill set and his ability to serve as a leader on and off the field.

Ravens’ Need for a Playmaker

In recent seasons, the Baltimore Ravens have been searching for a true playmaker to complement their dynamic quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson, one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, is known for his running ability and his unique style of play. However, the Ravens’ offense has often struggled with consistency in their passing game. Despite Jackson’s brilliance, the team has lacked an elite wide receiver to truly unlock the full potential of their offense.

The Ravens have drafted talented receivers in recent years, but none of them have truly emerged as consistent threats. Rashod Bateman has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with injuries. Zay Flowers, a promising young talent, is still developing his skills. And while Mark Andrews has been a consistent contributor as a tight end, the Ravens have long sought a true No. 1 wide receiver to pair with Jackson.

Enter Diontae Johnson.

Johnson’s ability to run precise routes, create separation, and consistently win his matchups in crucial moments provides the Ravens with a legitimate weapon on the outside. He has been known for his chemistry with his quarterbacks, his ability to track the ball in difficult conditions, and his hands that can make difficult catches look routine. The addition of a player with such a skill set is a game-changer for Baltimore’s offense, and it’s no surprise that general manager Eric DeCosta emphasized this when speaking about the decision to bring him back.

GM Eric DeCosta’s Explanation: Value, Leadership, and Elevation

In an exclusive interview, Eric DeCosta, the Ravens’ general manager, shared why the team felt that bringing Diontae Johnson back was the right move for the franchise’s future. DeCosta explained that, beyond Johnson’s skills as a wide receiver, it was his leadership, mental toughness, and determination that made him an integral part of the Ravens’ future.

“Diontae has always been a player we’ve admired from afar,” DeCosta said. “When you look at what he brings to the table, it’s not just the stats. It’s his mentality. Diontae has a winning attitude, and we felt that he was exactly the type of leader we needed in our locker room.”

This comment speaks to one of the most crucial aspects of Johnson’s appeal: his leadership ability. Diontae Johnson is known for his unselfishness, his commitment to developing his younger teammates, and his relentless work ethic. These traits are essential in an organization that places a high premium on team chemistry and building a winning culture.

As the Ravens aim to build a championship-caliber team, having a veteran presence like Johnson can be invaluable. His experience, combined with his proven ability to make clutch plays, offers the Ravens the type of leadership that can elevate the entire team. It’s one of the reasons DeCosta is so high on his return.

“It’s not always about being the flashiest player on the field. We need guys who are going to show up day in and day out and bring the right attitude,” DeCosta continued. “Diontae exemplifies that. He’s not just about himself. He’s about the team, and that’s the kind of player we need to complement Lamar and the rest of our offensive guys.”

DeCosta also spoke about the potential for Johnson to elevate the team’s offensive scheme, especially with the Ravens’ emphasis on a more balanced approach under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. With Jackson’s mobility and ability to extend plays, having a wide receiver who can consistently get open and make plays in all situations is critical.

“I truly believe that with Diontae on the field, it’s going to open things up for everyone,” DeCosta added. “Not just for Lamar, but for the entire offense. He gives us the ability to stretch the field, create mismatches, and make those big plays when we need them. Having a player with his skills in the lineup is going to be huge for us.”

The Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

With the addition of Diontae Johnson, the Ravens’ offense is poised for significant improvement. The team already boasts one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson, who will benefit from the added threat in the passing game. Johnson’s ability to create separation from defenders and run clean routes will allow Jackson to attack defenses with greater efficiency, particularly on intermediate and deep passes.

Furthermore, Johnson’s presence will give the Ravens the option to diversify their offense, opening up opportunities for their other playmakers, including Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman. When a team has a wide receiver with Johnson’s skills, opposing defenses can no longer focus solely on one player, which should allow the Ravens to spread the field and create more opportunities for everyone involved.

Additionally, Diontae Johnson’s ability to win contested catches, make plays after the catch, and perform in critical moments can make the Ravens a more dangerous team in late-game situations. Whether it’s a third-down conversion or a crucial touchdown in a close game, Johnson has the proven ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.

What’s Next for the Ravens?

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Baltimore Ravens have positioned themselves to contend for a championship. With the re-signing of Diontae Johnson, the team has added a crucial piece to their already stacked roster. The addition of a proven wide receiver who can elevate the entire offense will make the Ravens one of the more exciting teams to watch in the coming season.

For Lamar Jackson, the addition of a reliable, dynamic playmaker like Johnson gives him a true No. 1 receiver and further solidifies his supporting cast. The Ravens’ offense is now more well-rounded, offering Jackson multiple avenues to succeed in both the short and long term.

While the team continues to build their roster, it’s clear that the return of Diontae Johnson was a significant move for the Ravens. His talent, leadership, and ability to elevate the play of his teammates will help drive the team toward their ultimate goal: winning a Super Bowl. With Johnson back in the fold, the Ravens’ offensive unit is poised for a breakout year, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch in 2025.