The Pittsburgh Steelers made a ton of moves throughout the 2024 offseason, one of which being trading away wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Steelers dealt Johnson to the Carolina Panthers and in return, got Donte Jackson, who has been a decent cornerback in 2024, as he has five interceptions on the year. Johnson didn't last long as he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but he couldn't find a way to make much of an impact which led to him being waived.
Carolina Panthers
Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson with the Panthers ahead of the 2024 season.
It became fairly obvious that Johnson didn't have much of a future in Baltimore early on during his time there. He had been known to be a bit of an issue in the locker room during his time with Pittsburgh, which many believe is a reason he wound up getting traded to Carolina. The veteran wide receiver is now available on waivers, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on NFL GameDay on Saturday morning that the Steelers could be seeking out a reunion.
"It would be no surprise at all if he ends up getting claimed." Rapoport said. "A couple teams to watch for would be the Chargers, who have not John Harbaugh, but Jim Harbaugh, the Chiefs, and maybe his old team the Pittsburgh Steelers as well."
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers have any interest in Johnson after trading him away during the 2024 offseason. The wide receiver was pretty solid for the Steelers during his time with the organization, but the off-the-field issues that came with Johnson quickly became too much to handle.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (#18) stands on the field at St. Vincent College with his hands on his hips during a 2022 team training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh certainly has a need for Johnson. When the receiver was initially traded some of the fanbase was up in arms because it created a clear hole at wide receiver behind George Pickens. Now, that hole has become a clear issue. Pittsburgh tried to trade for some big-name wide receivers, but didn't have much success. Pickens is currently battling a hamstring injury, which could open the door for a reunion between the Steelers and Johnson in Pittsburgh should the organization decide to submit a claim.
Steelers.com
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson and current receiver George Pickens.
Steelers Can Now Legally Acquire Diontae Johnson
It became clear that Carolina had the intention of trading Johnson ahead of the trade deadline during the 2024 season. It was also known and obvious that the Steelers were shopping for a wide receiver at that time. Some fans connected those two dots, but there is a subtle rule within the NFL that not many know about. If a team trades a player away, they can not trade for that same player within a two-year time span. So, Pittsburgh was ineligible when it came to acquiring Johnson at the deadline, but it is legal for the organization to take action on the waiver wire.
What do you think about bringing Johnson back? Let us know in the comments below!
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