The split between veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson and the Baltimore Ravens was expected after Johnson was suspended for one week for refusing to go into a game, and then was mutually agreed upon to remain home for the week leading up to Saturday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The timing of the split though, with Johnson expected to hit waivers Monday, might have been calculated by the Ravens.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the timing of waiving Johnson was curious, as the Ravens held onto him until Friday, potentially to avoid a chance of the Steelers claiming him and then playing Johnson against Baltimore on Saturday.