By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — With several NFL teams including the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in need of a top-notch wide receiver, Diontae Johnson’s name has emerged as a potential trade candidate.
The Panthers wide receiver said Wednesday that he’d prefer to remain in Carolina and sign a long-term contract, but acknowledged his future is largely out of his hands.
Carolina acquired Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason.
He has developed into the team’s No. 1 wide receiver since 36-year-old Andy Dalton took over at quarterback for Bryce Young in Week 3.
Johnson has been targeted 27 times in the past two games and has 15 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns with Dalton at the helm. He was targeted just 12 times in two games with Young and had just five catches for 34 yards and no touchdowns.
“I can’t control some of the stuff they put out there,” Johnson said. “I can only just come in and here and continue to be the player I have been since I got here in April. I’m not really worried about it. Whatever happens, happens. I’m locked in with the Panthers right now.”
The Panthers are 1-3 and if the season spirals out of control it could make sense to move Johnson, who is in the final year of his contract, and add draft picks as they continue to rebuild.
Panthers coach Dave Canales did his best to quell the trade rumors at his news conference.
“My job is to do the best things to put the best 11 guys out there,” Canales said. “We love the guys that are developing in the progression that we have, so I don’t see that happening.”
Johnson did not practice on Wednesday because of ankle soreness, but he said he expects to play Sunday at Chicago.
Carolina’s other starting wide receiver Adam Thielen is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, meaning rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo are getting increased playing time.