Former Steelers Receiver Diontae Johnson Gets Honest About His Sudden Departure From Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a lot of stunning moves throughout the 2024 offseason. These transactions came in free agency with the splash signings of guys like Patrick Queen and Russell Wilson, and in the trade market. Most notably were the changes at quarterback, as the Steelers traded away Kenny Pickett and then traded for Justin Fields in two separate deals. The most surprising move may have been trading away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, which created a big weakness at wide receiver for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh selected Johnson in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he became an important contributor immediately. He recorded over 600 yards during his rookie season to go along with five touchdowns. He continued his success in Pittsburgh, which is why it was a bit of a shock when he was traded during the 2024 offseason. 

Johnson appeared on the most recent episode of the A000 Hours Out Tha Mud podcast, where he shared his feelings when he got the news that he had been dealt.

"You know, business is business bro, so I can't knock them for doing what they had to do to handle their situation over there," Johnson said. "Like I said, I got nothing but love for them and always going to have love for them, whenever I see them, it's going to always be love. But I got a new home now, so it's time to make the most of it."

Johnson was dealt during the 2024 offseason to Carolina in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. Pittsburgh also got a draft pick in the exchange. The trade has seemed to be beneficial for the Steelers so far, even though they have a seriousness weakness at wide receiver still. Jackson has been one of the best corners in the league to begin the 2024 season, as he has already recorded three interceptions and six pass break ups.

Throughout his interview Johnson showed no animosity towards the Steelers — which was a bit of a surprise. Oftentimes, he was painted as a villain during his time in Pittsburgh. He was considered to be selfish, but it doesn't seem like that is true based off of how he handled himself while talking about the trade. Johnson spoke more about Pittsburgh and how he felt towards the organization and the city.

"I felt like I was home." Johnson said. "I thought I was going to retire there, I got so much love for the city of Pittsburgh just because they took a chance on me bro. I feel like nobody else was really rocking with me like they was when it came to like the visits and stuff. The crazy thing is that was my first visit at the combine."

Football is a harsh business, which means that sometimes players feel at home with a team, but then they’re dealt for whatever reason. In this instance, it was likely because Johnson and George Pickens weren't a great duo at the top of the wide receiver room. They have each had their fair share of outbursts, and they each created some unneeded off the field distractions for Pittsburgh in 2023.

Steelers’ Former Receiver Potentially On The Trade Market Again

Johnson has been a good addition for the Panthers so far in the 2024 season. He has started in all six games and caught 29 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns. He has had decent production, but the Panthers are an organization that is in complete disarray. They benched their second-year quarterback who they took with the first overall pick in 2023, and they don't have much going for them. 

It is likely time to trade top players for assets and begin to rebuild in a serious manner for Carolina. This probably includes trading Johnson, who was named by NFL insider Dianna Russini as a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches. A team that could use Johnson is Pittsburgh, but unfortunately, the NFL has a rule where a team cannot trade for a player they traded away within the last two years.

What do you think of Johnson's comments? Let us know below!

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