The Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and their seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson and their sixth-round pick. Johnson was entering the final year of his contract with Pittsburgh in 2024, and Omar Khan elected to move on from their former third-round pick and officially close the book on the 2019 draft class.
AP News
Former Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson is now part of the Steelers' 2024 roster.
On Thursday, Mark Kaboly from The Athletic reported that the trade that sent Johnson to the Panthers might not have been the organization's brainchild. The Steelers' leading receiver over the last five seasons was unhappy in Pittsburgh and asked to leave. Khan merely accommodated him with the best deal he could find.
"This wasn't a great return for a top receiver like Johnson, but the Steelers were backed into a corner," Kaboly wrote. "Johnson requested a trade entering the final year of his contract, with no extension in sight and a $3 million roster bonus due Friday. With that deadline looming, the Steelers didn’t get much in the way of a return, moving up 68 picks near the end of April’s draft and adding a veteran cornerback."
Pittsburgh has stripped down the receiver position to George Pickens, who is now the clear number one, and Calvin Austin III, who were both drafted in Kevin Colbert's final draft in 2022. Pickens has demonstrated All-Pro-level talent, paired with an unfortunate level of immaturity. Pittsburgh desperately needs a professional veteran wide receiver who will command Pickens' respect and serve as his mentor. There are few precious options left in free agency that can fill that role.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III
Austin emerged as the Steelers' primary punt returner in 2023 and as a gadget player on offense. He occasionally flashed his big play ability, but was buried on the depth chart behind Pickens, Johnson, and Allen Robinson II. Pittsburgh will likely look to the draft and free agency to push Austin back down the depth chart, but he will get an opportunity in training camp to prove his value to Arthur Smith.
"The trade puts the Steelers in a tough spot, as they have only George Pickens returning as a starting receiver," Kaboly observes. "Calvin Austin III is highly regarded, but played sparingly last year. He missed all of his rookie season with an injury."
Mike Tomlin's young wide receiver room in 2023 oozed talent, but was hampered by inconsistent quarterback play. Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky were underwhelmed, and Johnson, the default leader of the receiver room, was increasingly discontent with his role, culminating in a shameful incident where he quit on a Jaylen Warren fumble in the Cincinnati Bengals game after a touchdown was erroneously taken away from him on the previous play.
ESPN
Steelers WR Diontae Johnson has been very vocal in his support of QB Mason Rudolph.
Johnson had a late-season resurgence with Mason Rudolph, but was vocal about his desire for Rudolph to keep the starting position in 2024. When Johnson voiced his desire for a trade, Khan and Tomlin had heard enough and accommodated him. It is probably not a coincidence they elected to send him to the worst team in the NFL. Kaboly hinted when grading the trade that there might be more to come from Khan and the Steelers.
"Grade: C/Incomplete," Kaboly concluded. "The return wasn't good, but it's impossible to grade the trade until we see Khan's coinciding move. The Steelers will likely add a starting-caliber receiver at some point in free agency."
Steelers' Options To Replace Diontae Johnson's Production Are Limited In Free Agency
Pittsburgh's options in free agency are dwindling, and Khan could look to make a trade like he did in 2023 with the Los Angeles Rams to bring in Robinson. The Steelers have been heavily rumored to be interested in Tyler Boyd, who has made no secret of his desire to return to Pittsburgh. The Steelers general manager will make a move.
Sam Greene / The Enquirer
Tyler Boyd in a game versus the Steelers.
Johnson ends his career in Pittsburgh with over 4,000 yards receiving and a complicated legacy. Fans grew frustrated with his perceived drops, malcontent attitude, and tendency to run away from the first down marker instead of towards it. The Steelers won't miss his presence in the locker room, but pending the addition of his replacement, they will miss him on Sundays in the fall.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you happy to see Johnson go? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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