Giants Host WR Diontae Johnson For Workout

The Giants hosted free agent wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a workout on Tuesday, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Johnson is a six-year veteran who began his career with the Steelers in 2019. After five years in Pittsburgh, he was traded to the Panthers last offseason and averaged 51 yards per game in his first seven contests. That strong start gave way to trade interest and an eventual deal with the Ravens, but Johnson’s disastrous stint in Baltimore (and later, Houston) tanked his stock heading into free agency.

Johnson eventually signed a one-year, veteran-minimum deal with the Browns, but did not make their 53-man roster. His workout in New York is the first news of any team’s interest in him since.

The Giants have been seeking receiving depth after Malik Nabers‘ season-ending injury, but a trade seems like an unwise investment in a losing season with an eye on the future. Johnson is an experienced player who could theoretically contribute right away. It seemed like that was the case last year, but he only drew nine targets across 61 snaps in his five games with the Ravens and the Texans. The Giants have less wide receiver depth than those teams and should have a better understanding of Johnson’s desire to get involved quickly.

New York may also want to bolster their pass-catching corps after running back Cam Skattebo suffered a season-ending injury. Neither Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary have been as productive this year, so the Giants may rely even more on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to move the ball through the air. If that’s the plan, they’re going to need more than just bodies in their receiver room. Though he does bring plenty else, Johnson has experience and a proven track record that could still have a place in the NFL.