Steelers Best Trade Partners For Diontae Johnson Amidst Rumors Of His Potential Departure

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly receiving interest from teams around the league regarding wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The pass catcher is entering his sixth NFL season and is widely recognized as one of the best route runners in all of football. With one year remaining on his contract, the organization could elect to receive compensation for him now from a wide receiver-needy team that will cough up a day two draft pick. There are a few organizations that come to mind when thinking of where Johnson's new home could potentially be if he is dealt sooner rather than later.

While the idea of trading Johnson may seem unattractive because that would leave just George Pickens and Calvin Austin III in the receivers' room, the Steelers wouldn't do it without having a plan in place. The wide receiver is due a $3 million roster bonus on March 16th and if a deal is going to take place, fans can expect it to happen within the next seven days.

A trade within the division with a team like the Baltimore Ravens is not going to occur, but moving him to an AFC team is not out of the question. The reigning Super Bowl champions could take a significant liking to Johnson.

1.) Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are picking last in the first round, which may scare Pittsburgh away, but if they're willing to give away a second-round pick so they can delay taking a wide receiver in the draft, Johnson might be a great fit. Patrick Mahomes would have the ability to turn Johnson into a solidified star after the Chiefs struggled with consistency out of the position in 2023.

It might seem foolish to trade him to the top team in the league, but the Steelers will take what they can get and it might come down to whichever team offers the best package for him. It shouldn't come as a surprise if reports begin to come out and Kansas City is one of the teams picking up the phone and calling Omar Khan in regards to a trade.

2.) Chicago Bears

What better way to introduce a rookie quarterback to the NFL than with a polished route runner and solid one-two punch of Johnson and DJ Moore. The Bears have incredible draft capital and it wouldn't be the first time the two teams completed a trade involving a wideout. Chase Claypool was dealt to Chicago for a second-round pick in 2022 and that turned into Joey Porter Jr.

Khan and Ryan Poles have a history and while the Claypool thing didn't work out, Johnson has proven himself as a star. Trading for him is much less of a leap of faith than acquiring Claypool. The bonus of this move is getting Johnson out of the AFC. He could probably use a change of scenery and the Windy City might be a good place for him to continue his career.

3.) Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts took a step forward in 2023 with Head Coach Shane Steichen. Anthony Richardson's rookie season was derailed by an injury, but he began to show the ability to bloom into a star. With Michael Pittman Jr. around, it would be a great idea for the Colts to bring in another threat in the passing game. Johnson fits that narrative.

Pittman was slapped with the franchise tag recently, and it's likely he and Indianapolis are working on a long-term deal. The Colts have a pick in each round, so they could elect to give up a day two pick for an experienced starter in Johnson rather than drafting a wide receiver early on in the draft. It would be an attractive landing spot for the pass catcher.

4.) New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers is expected to be fully healthy for the New York Jets in 2024. It would serve him well to have another weapon alongside Garrett Wilson. The hurdle here will be the compensation as the Jets do not own a second-round pick. 

Would they be willing to draft in the first round and then wait all the way until day three to pick again? The only acceptable thing for the Steelers is a day two pick, which would be a third-rounder in this case. Rodgers would surely enjoy another threat in the passing game, though. This is a philosophical match, but it might not make sense for New York because of what it might take to get Johnson. There are other suitors that will be able to put together a better package for the former Pro Bowler.

Steelers Will Be Able To Host Serious Bidding War For Johnson

There isn't just going to be one team interested in Johnson. As Dianna Russini reported on Saturday, several organizations may, or already have, inquired. Khan will be able to drive up the price if there are a plethora of franchises interested. It will be extremely interesting to see what transpires over the course of the next seven days in regards to Johnson.

Do you want the Steelers to trade Johnson? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation