The Pittsburgh Steelers have quite the dilemma on their hands, as star WR Diontae Johnson enters the final season before his free agency. After the extension of safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Johnson seemed to be next in the pecking order. All signs seem to be pointing to the Steelers not paying Johnson and allowing him to enter free agency in 2023.
Mark Kaboly, Steelers beat reporter for The Athletic, not only predicts Johnson to be gone after the season, but also gave a destination.
"He will sign with the [Green Bay] Packers next year for $93 million over four years."
There you go, Packers fans. There's the replacement for Davante Adams. Of course, Johnson isn't Adams, but he would help aid the loss nearly a year later. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers heads into the 2022 season with a subpar wide receiver room, which includes Allen Lazard, second-rounder Christian Watson, and veterans Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb.
GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 16: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks with Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers prior to a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Adams exited Green Bay in a relatively quick manner this off-season, as he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a slew of picks. Now, he gets to team up with college buddy and quarterback, Derek Carr. The money doesn't hurt either, as the Raiders signed him to a five-year, $141.25 million extension. That's a little over $28 million per year, but if anyone in the NFL is worth it at the WR position, it's Adams.
The Packers got to see Johnson's talent firsthand last season, as he had a solid day in Green Bay. Johnson began the scoring in the first quarter with a 45-yard touchdown catch from Ben Roethlisberger. He finished the day with nine catches, 92 yards, and the early TD. Kaboly's projected deal for Johnson equates to just over $23 million per year. These numbers would corroborate what he likely is asking for, particularly after Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders just earned a similar contract. He signed a three-year, $71 million extension just last week and comes from the same draft class, 2019, as Johnson.
As Kaboly mentioned in the same article, the Steelers are currently offering Johnson "nowhere near" what McLaurin received. There's not any substance to Kaboly's prediction of Johnson to the Packers, but it would make sense for both sides. For now, it seems to just be a prediction, and nothing more than that. As for the Steelers, it's just another sign of things to potentially come in the wide receiver room. They may be looking at the likes of George Pickens and Chase Claypool to become the top guys moving forward.
Should the Steelers consider trading Johnson?
The black and gold franchise pride themselves on being in contention for the Vince Lombardi Trophy each and every season. Trading Diontae Johnson, which would likely have to come before the season, would all but end any sliver of hope for the Steelers winning the Super Bowl this season. They aren't exactly seen as contenders as is, but that would be waiving the white flag before the season even began.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 17: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Diontae Johnson #18 celebrate Harris' touchdown during the second quarter Seahawks at Heinz Field on October 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
If they are unlikely to re-sign him, the question has to be asked, though. Pittsburgh would be able to get multiple draft picks back, and perhaps even a decent player. It's interesting to think about, but a move the Steelers are wise to not consider. A lot of things can change between now and next off-season. Play the season out and from there, perhaps a deal can be reached next off-season.
What do you guys think? Would you be sad to see Johnson go? Would the Packers make sense as a destination for him? Let us know your thoughts below!
#SteelerNation
MORE STEELERS NEWS
Steelers Not Offering WR Diontae Johnson “Anything Near” Terry McLaurin’s Huge $70 Million Extension
