The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round draft selection to the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, confirming trade speculations. In exchange, Carolina sends Pittsburgh cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick.
At first glance, this appears to be a win for both sides, but it will rely on what the Steelers do next.
Why Did the Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Diontae Johnson?
Johnson’s declining offensive production, combined with dropped passes and a perceived lack of effort during crucial moments, are good reasons to assume the Steelers were more than happy to part ways. In addition, Johnson would have earned a $3 million roster bonus on March 16, plus his base salary of $7 million.
Despite collecting 86 receptions in 2022, he failed to find the end zone, and his production dropped even more in 2023, along with the rest of the Steelers’ struggling offense. He dropped more than his fair share of balls in 2022 and 2023, and his proclivity to give up yards after the catch harmed the club repeatedly.
What the Pittsburgh Steelers will get for Diontae Johnson
Cornerback Donte Jackson, a former second-round choice out of LSU, joins Pittsburgh as part of the Diontae Johnson trade. In six seasons with the Panthers, he started 76 games and had 14 interceptions.
Jackson will fill a chair in a Steelers cornerback room that had its troubles in 2023 and has seen the departure of veteran Patrick Peterson. But, he probably isn’t the answer the Steelers are looking for opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Diontae Johnson, on the other hand, could have been a key contributor to the Steelers offense. With Russell Wilson coming in, and the Matt Canada-era in the rearview mirror, the Steelers offense could be something special in 2024.
The Diontae Johnson trade creates a void at WR2 that the Steelers may struggle to fill.
Was the Diontae Johnson trade successful for the Steelers?
In trading Johnson, the Steelers said goodbye to a guy with enormous promise who frequently appeared to struggle to get it together. Given how poorly the Pittsburgh offense has performed in recent years, Johnson cannot bear sole responsibility.
With a new offensive coordinator and a veteran quarterback who knows how to win, Johnson may be able to reclaim his Pro Bowl form in 2024. Johnson, together with George Pickens, the quick but tiny Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, would have formed a formidable receiving corps for Russell Wilson.
Now the Steelers need to locate a legitimate WR2, and there is currently no one in the organization who fits that criteria. Allen Robinson, another former Pro Bowler, was recently released after only one season in Pittsburgh.
Some big names remain on the market as of this writing, and the Steelers may look for his replacement in the draft. If they cannot find an impact player at this position, and if Johnson balls out in Carolina, the Panthers will be the clear winners of the Diontae Johnson trade.
Saying goodbye to Johnson just might come back to haunt the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This is especially concerning given the brief window of opportunity with Russell Wilson on the roster. Wilson signed a one-year deal, and there is no guarantee he sticks around after that. It seems to make sense that Pittsburgh would want to surround him with as much talent as possible for a Super Bowl run in 2024.
At the WR2 position, they are banking on that being someone other than Diontae Johnson.
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