Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson's Knack For Beating Coverage Is Making Him A "Bigger Deal" In Carolina

The Pittsburgh Steelers made changes over the offseason to fix some weaknesses and alleviate disgruntled behavior. They hired a new offensive coordinator, brought in new quarterbacks, and continued to strengthen the trenches. The team also allowed some unhappy players to find new opportunities, including wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. 

Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson after the season ended. The shocking move strengthened a weak cornerback room, but left the receiving corps without a strong second receiver. 

Now, entering his sixth season, Johnson says he is thrilled to be in Carolina and play with quarterback, Bryce Young. On a recent episode of Up and Adams with Kay Adams, guest Luke Kuechly said that the Panthers will benefit from having Johnson on their roster. 

"I think the Diontae Johnson thing is going to be a bigger deal than what we think. You know, obviously [Adam] Thielen is going to be able to control the slot, the middle of the field, but you need a guy on third down that can just go get open. They're going to play man, you're going to have inside help, they're going to try to funnel you there. Who can just go straight up, win one-on-one man coverage, and that's what he does really well."

Kuechly spent eight seasons in the NFL, all for the Panthers. He stayed with the organization post-retirement, first as a scout and now as a color commentator for Panthers Radio. Kuechly knows what skills are required to be successful in the NFL. He thinks Johnson's ability to beat coverage makes him unique. 

During his time in Pittsburgh, Johnson was often praised for his ability to separate from defenders and was ranked among the league's most open receivers. However, Johnson's negativity seemed to ruin things for him in the Steel City. He struggled during his career, including a vast expanse of time without a touchdown and many dropped balls. 

"Like I said, do we have a  Justin Jefferson/Tyreek Hill? Not right now, but do we need that? No. We just need guys that fit the system, fit well together and then can fit in different areas on the field. You know, Adam Thielen, middle of the field; [Xavier] Legette hopefully can get down the field, and then Diontae Johnson can play outside and just uncover and beat one-on-one coverage. I am excited with what we have moving forward."

Johnson joins Adam Thielen, a 12-year veteran of the league in his second season in Carolina after spending the start of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. In addition, the Panthers traded up to draft Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 NFL raft with the 32nd pick. 

If Johnson can return to the version we saw of him in 2021, where he made 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, Carolina should be thrilled. He was selected to the Pro Bowl that season for the only time in his career. He needs to show that he can mentor the rookie Legette and not display some toxic behaviors seen in Pittsburgh. 

Steelers Have A Young Luke Kuechly-Like LB On Their Roster

During his eight years in the league, Kuechly made a name for himself. He was widely considered one of the best off-the-ball linebackers in the league. He was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time First Team All-Pro, a seven-time Pro Bowler, and twice led the league in combined tackles. 

Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson reminds his former Defensive Coordinator, Tony Gibson, of Kuechly. When Gibson spoke to the media following Wilson's selection by the Black and Gold, he said he saw that same excellence in him. 

Wilson dropped on the draft board because of his knee injury history, a situation the Steelers are all too familiar with, as both Hines Ward and Greg Lloyd had similar issues. Gibson said he couldn't understand the disregard, calling Wilson one of the smartest and hardest-working players he has ever coached. 

How do you think Johnson will perform in Carolina? Click to comment below. 

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