Steelers' Omar Khan May Pull Off An Incredibly Shrewd Move To Replace Diontae Johnson With Star From Chargers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were relatively quiet on the Monday before the NFL new league year began. The start of the legal tampering period only saw General Manager Omar Khan agree to terms with a new punter, following the release of Pressley Harvin III. Cameron Johnston will come to the Steel City on a three-year, $9 million deal and attempt to bring stability to the position. Things then heated up on Tuesday when it was reported that Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen will come play for Pittsburgh. Not long after, Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson.

The move was a bit of a shock as Pittsburgh also gave away a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder from Carolina. It leaves the Steelers with a huge hole on the offensive side. The only two reliable wide receivers on the roster entering the new league year are George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. Really, Pickens is the only one that can be counted on based on Austin's subpar sophomore (but really rookie) season.

Khan wouldn't have made the move to give away Johnson without a plan in mind. There have been big names thrown around such as Calvin Ridley and Marquise Brown. Neither is out of the question, but something is brewing out West and it could lead to Pittsburgh making a huge splash that drastically affects the shape of the offense behind new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.

The Los Angeles Chargers are in trouble, to say the least. They have millions of dollars in cap space to create and only have until 4pm Eastern Time on Wednesday to do it. And as of 2pm ET they have made their first move releasing veteran receiver Mike Williams. The reality is that Keenan Allen could still be traded or released, too. Allen and Williams are both threats in any passing attack even one quarterbacked by Russell Wilson. Allen has had his fair share of injuries and Williams is coming off of a torn ACL, but their prowess is undeniable, particularly Allen.

Bringing in either guy would be a massive upgrade to the receiving core. Despite Allen's age, he has been a model of consistency when on the field and healthy. He has six seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving and 59 career touchdowns, including seven in 2023. Williams has two seasons with 1,000 yards receiving or more, and is the ultimate red zone and deep threat at 6'4".

Overall, the better fit to pair with Pickens would be Allen, who can work anywhere on the field. Even though he will be 32 when the 2024 season begins, he would demand a ton of attention and a one-two punch with Pickens and him could lead to a deadly offense. It wouldn't make it too difficult on any quarterback, Kenny Pickett included, to find open receivers.

A trade in this scenario is unlikely with the massive cap charges both hold. If it were to occur, fans can expect Khan to make the Chargers pick up a chunk of the tab. If they are both released, however, it's fair game and the Steelers have enough money available to make another big move, like bringing one of the talented receivers to Pittsburgh. Releasing both would lead to just over $24 million in dead cap, but savings of $43.1 million. One of them paired with Pickens would be dangerous.

Steelers Are Not Messing Around In 2024

Something needed to change in Pittsburgh. The organization not securing a playoff win since the 2016 season is unacceptable. Khan is proving that he understands the fans' impatience. There have already been some uncharacteristic moves, including signing a future Hall of Fame candidate quarterback at age 35 in Russell Wilson, as well as giving out the largest free agent contract in franchise history to Queen. Khan's not done though. Keep an eye out for the wide receiver market and Pittsburgh's pursuit of an experienced guy to put next to Pickens.

Do you think Allen or Williams would be a fit in the Steel City? Let us know in the comments below!

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