Tea Leaves: WR Johnson Leaves this week

[MHS831]

As I know because I am considered by many police detectives to be my town's most insightful psychotic, many people seek my opinions on stuff.  So here are the tea leaves:

1. Johnson has a history of being a bit of a head case, which led to Panthers getting him on the cheap.  His contract for this season is a bargain.

2. Johnson (Last week) criticized teammates.

3.  The Panthers sat Johnson vs. Broncos.  Could this be a sign that a deal is in the works or that the Panthers do not want to risk losing a trade asset to a season-ending injury?  Johnson's value is that of a healthy, cheap addition to a team that needs a WR to help their playoff rush.

4. Rumors swirl that the Cowboys might trade for Johnson; word is there is other interest, and the Cowboys were told that it would take a "mid round" pick to get him (rumor).

5.  Jerry Jones went "all in" this season.  He just watched his team lose to a Super Bowl team because Prescott was forced to focus on one WR.  They are now 3-4, and Jones is old.  In my view, the asking price for Johnson just went up to a third rounder.  Here are the receiving stats from last night's game: 

 

Johnson might be the only feasible answer for Jones.  I expect a deal by Tuesday.  The Huddle Psychotic has spoken!!!

Disclaimer:  Every time I jokingly call myself a psychotic (meaning psychic) I get someone who fails to see the humor in my phrasing.  I get it.  You are smart--you caught it.  Now, lets enjoy the magic of my clairvoyance and bask in the radiance of my amazing visions into the spheres of obviousness.

Edited October 28 by MHS831

[HPPantherzfan]

I can see the Cowboys wanting Hubbard as well.  I didn't watch the whole game but I think Zek ended up with the most yards and that was like 40.

Package both of them together for a this year second and next year conditional 4th, could be a third depending on performance 

Edited October 28 by HPPantherzfan

[Mage]

There is no way in the world the Panthers get a 3rd rounder for Diontae Johnson.

[Waldo]

I'm interested in who they move more than for what. He was a good short term rental but getting anything for him is a win. Hubbard is tougher but absolutley the right move also. Just stick with Sanders and that idiotic contract they gave him and hope Brooks is decent.

[MHS831]

6 minutes ago, Mage said:

There is no way in the world the Panthers get a 3rd rounder for Diontae Johnson.

that is the rumored asking price.  I do like the idea of packaging Hubbard and getting a second.  I love Hubbard, but he is in a contract year (I believe) and we need to spend our money on a position not called "running back".  Brooks will be ready and Sanders' contract aint moving. 

Here are variables to support the reasons Jones might bite--

• His age  (how many seasons does Jones have left?)
• His gamble this season (He already shoved all chips to the pot)
• His ego (he emptied his wallet and he is his own GM--face saving is worth a third)
• His salary cap (eliminates all expensive options)

So if you consider the variables, a $1 bottle of water is worth $2 in the desert.

 

Edited October 28 by MHS831

[MHS831]

7 minutes ago, Waldo said:

I'm interested in who they move more than for what. He was a good short term rental but getting anything for him is a win. Hubbard is tougher but absolutley the right move also. Just stick with Sanders and that idiotic contract they gave him and hope Brooks is decent.

Yes.  Johnson's only value at this time is to trade; after November 5, he is worthless (even if he goes over 1000 yards and we go 2-15.)  If you think about Pittsburgh and Tomlin, they do not pay talented WRs who are locker room cancers to hang around.  His value right now lies in the fact that he is a top level talent who can be had on the cheap for a playoff run with 10 games left in the regular season.  His value is higher now that it would be in August or March.  In fact, whoever gets him is not obligated to keep him--so there is no real buyer's remorse.  After seeing his Cowboys fall short to SF when Lamb was all they had to throw to with no running game, I think 80-year old "All In" Jones might think a third rounder is well worth the boost his offense would get this year.  How many "A" level WRs are there with a price tag of $3m?    It is a seller's market.

[Billy Goat]

Don't think anyone will give up a third for him unless they can get an extension done at the same time. Most likely a 4th/5th.

[CamWhoaaCam]

Whatever we can get just get it.

[strato]

I agree I think he is gone. The transaction clock for the week starts after the MNF ends and that would be a time to do it. 

[The Lobo]

[t96]

Should be able to get a day 2 pick easily. The guy gets open damn near every single play and he's got YAC chops as well. Seriously this dude with a legit QB would be a 1200+ yards guy. Outside of Moore he's our best WR since Smitty.

Edited October 28 by t96

[Wolfcop]

4 minutes ago, t96 said:

Should be able to get a day 2 pick easily. The guy gets open damn near every single play and he's got YAC chops as well. Seriously this dude with a legit QB would be a 1200+ yards guy. Outside of Moore he's our best WR since Smitty.

Yep, would love to keep him, but not with a poor attitude and many other needs on the roster. 

[thennek]

I mid-round pick that the Panthers will chose a player that will never contribute to the team.  Trading away good players for draft picks only work if you know how to draft....which the Panthers do not.  However, the Panthers probably have no choice if DJ no longer wants to be here.  Who can blame him.

[Waldo]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

Yes.  Johnson's only value at this time is to trade; after November 5, he is worthless (even if he goes over 1000 yards and we go 2-15.)  If you think about Pittsburgh and Tomlin, they do not pay talented WRs who are locker room cancers to hang around.  His value right now lies in the fact that he is a top level talent who can be had on the cheap for a playoff run with 10 games left in the regular season.  His value is higher now that it would be in August or March.  In fact, whoever gets him is not obligated to keep him--so there is no real buyer's remorse.  After seeing his Cowboys fall short to SF when Lamb was all they had to throw to with no running game, I think 80-year old "All In" Jones might think a third rounder is well worth the boost his offense would get this year.  How many "A" level WRs are there with a price tag of $3m?    It is a seller's market.

Jones is also the kind of owner to give Johnson the deal he is looking for but they don't have to do that at the time of the trade.