The Diontae Johnson Saga: Baltimore Ravens Master the Compensatory Pick Game
The Baltimore Ravens have always been known for their strategic approach to the game, and their mastery of the compensatory pick system is a testament to that. The Diontae Johnson saga that unfolded during this season is a prime example of how the Ravens seize small advantages for big payoffs.
When Johnson first arrived in Baltimore via a trade with the Carolina Panthers, there were high hopes that he would form a solid wide receiver trio with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. However, things didn’t go as planned. Johnson struggled to make an impact on the field, logging just 39 offensive snaps and only one reception for six yards in his first four games.
Tensions started to build behind the scenes, and the breaking point came when Johnson refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite Bateman dealing with an injury. This act of insubordination led to a one-game suspension for Johnson, and shortly after, the Ravens placed him on waivers.
But the story doesn’t end there. In a surprising turn of events, the Ravens reclaimed Johnson on waivers on January 15, after his brief stint with the Houston Texans. At first glance, this move may have seemed puzzling to many, but it was all part of a master plan orchestrated by general manager Eric DeCosta.
DeCosta revealed in an interview with The Ringer’s Todd McShay that the Ravens claimed Johnson with the intention of not allowing him to play for any team for the rest of the season. Why would they do that? The answer lies in the compensatory pick system.
By preventing Johnson from signing a contract worth more than $2.5 million, the Ravens increase their chances of qualifying for a compensatory pick. These small advantages are what drive DeCosta and the Ravens’ front office. They understand that accumulating these small advantages can eventually lead to something big.
The Ravens have long been the masters of the compensatory pick game. Since entering the league in 1996, they have received a league-high 59 compensatory picks, according to Over The Cap. And that’s just from players leaving, not counting the picks they received due to coaches leaving under 2020 Resolution JC-2A.
In this year’s draft, the Ravens are projected to receive the maximum four compensatory picks. These picks include a fourth-round pick from Patrick Queen leaving, two fifth-round picks from Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone, and a sixth-round pick from Kevin Zeitler. If they do receive a compensatory pick for Johnson, it would be in the 2026 NFL Draft, with its placement depending on his average annual salary on his new deal.
While some may criticize the Ravens’ approach of claiming a player with the intention of letting him go weeks later, it’s clear that DeCosta and his team know how to take advantage of the rules. They understand that even the smallest advantage can make a significant difference in the long run.
The Diontae Johnson saga may have been exhausting for Ravens fans and the organization itself, but it serves as a perfect example of the team’s ability to master the compensatory pick game. As the Ravens continue to find ways to gain small advantages, their success in the NFL will only continue to grow.
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