NFL Insider: Steelers' Organization Didn't like Diontae Johnson "The Person"; Mike Tomlin Not Fearful Of Him

When the Pittsburgh Steelers made the big-time decision to trade away star wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers early in the 2024 offseason, fans and analysts were left speculating about the reasoning behind it. Rumors swirled that Johnson had become a source of internal frustration for the organization, and one report suggested that Steelers’ brass had grown weary of the headaches he allegedly caused. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, however, did not confirm these whispers. Instead, he framed the trade as a strategic move, stating the Steelers saw it as a valuable opportunity to acquire cornerback Donte Jackson—a player they had been targeting for a while.

The move became even more intriguing when the Panthers subsequently sent Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens for a modest return, adding a new level of drama to the Steelers’ upcoming Week 11 matchup against their longtime rivals. When asked how he felt about facing his former wide receiver, Tomlin's response was notably dismissive. He pointed to the Ravens' other offensive threats, implying Johnson was not a primary concern. His words suggested that the team had perhaps moved on mentally from Johnson well before the trade, reinforcing the notion that his departure might have been about more than just roster adjustments.

Adding further insight, former NFL General Manager Michael Lombardi recently weighed in on the Steelers' perspective on Johnson. According to Lombardi, Pittsburgh may have viewed Johnson as a talented yet ultimately replaceable asset in light of his inconsistencies and rumored locker room tensions. Lombardi shared some shocking information speculating about how Pittsburgh really felt about Johnson.

"He's not the least bit worried about this guy at all," Lombardi said. "Let's be clear here. He hasn't seen him on tape. He knows who he is. They didn't like him as a person, as a player. They got rid of him. That's all you need to know. He's not fearful of him. Mike Tomlin knows what he's got to deal with. It's called Lamar Jackson. It's called Derrick Henry. It's called Zay Flowers."

It sounds like Lombardi is hinting that the Steelers moved on from Johnson because they didn't enjoy the type of attitude he brought with him. There were several moments during Johnson's tenure in Pittsburgh that fans will point to that highlight what the Steelers may have felt behind closed doors.

Steelers insider Brian Batko shared his perspective on the situation on social media Tuesday, weighing in on what his main critique was of Johnson during his time in the Steel City.

It's unfair to criticize Johnson solely for expressing happiness over scoring two touchdowns, but there were moments that have fueled this perception among fans. One incident Steeler Nation often highlights occurred when Johnson ran off the field without attempting to recover a fumble during the 2023 season; while he later claimed he hadn’t seen it, the lack of awareness was concerning either way.

Another moment fans recall happened during a tough home game against the Arizona Cardinals, where the Steelers, heavy favorites, suffered a disappointing loss. Late in the game, with the outcome already decided, Johnson celebrated after scoring, sparking frustration among fans who felt it was out of place given the embarrassing defeat.

After the loss, Johnson was asked why he celebrated while the team was down by 14 points. He explained he was playing hard until the end, but his visible smile after such a tough home defeat suggested a lack of awareness of the team’s situation. While he was happy about his touchdown, the team’s playoff hopes were slipping away, leaving many to wonder if he understood the collective disappointment.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Doesn't Seem To Miss Diontae Johnson At All

Steelers fans can point to several other moments that seemed to reflect this disconnect. That said, Johnson had his share of positive moments in Pittsburgh as well. 

One constant in the Steelers organization is Tomlin’s respectful praise for former players he coached, regardless of where they end up. The fact that Tomlin’s comments about facing Johnson were so matter-of-fact, however, hints that the reports about the organization’s frustrations with Johnson may hold some truth.

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