The Pittsburgh Steelers have been mentioned frequently in NFL rumors this offseason, with the club reportedly interested in a Justin Fields trade or signing Russell Wilson in free agency. However, it now appears the club is open to parting ways with some talent as well.
Pittsburgh finds itself under the spotlight more than usual this offseason. While the team has publicly committed to quarterback Kenny Pickett, there is far less certainty and confidence in the former first-round pick behind the scenes.
Related: Surprising update on Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade target Justin Fields
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is interested in Fields, many players in the locker room reportedly prefer Pickett isn’t the starter in 2024 and the front office is still backing its top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. As Pittsburgh attempts to get all of this figured out, it’s reportedly open to moving off one of its key players over the four years.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported from the NFL Combine that the Steelers are open to trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Pittsburgh isn’t officially floating him to teams, but word around the league is he could be acquired if the compensation is right.
Johnson, who turns 28 in July, has been very productive in recent years. The former third-round pick hasn’t recorded a 1,000-yard season since 2021, but that’s in large part due to the team’s quarterback woes.
- Diontae Johnson stats (career): 391 receptions, 4,363 receiving yards, 25 touchdowns in 77 games
Pittsburgh signed Johnson to a two-year, $36.7 million contract extension in August 2022 after a brief hold-in during training camp. While he has been fairly productive, given the woes of the passing game, he is entering a contract year.
Related: Fastest players at NFL Combine 2024
- Diontae Johnson contract: $15.833 million salary in 2024, 2025 NFL free agent
Pauline doesn’t provide details on the compensation Pittsburgh is looking for, but it stands to reason the club is evaluating his trade market in a contract year. Negotiations between the two sides a few years ago weren’t smooth and the club may be now evaluating if the better long-term move is to trade him now rather than keeping him for another year before he likely walks in free agency next offseason.
If the Steelers were to trade Johnson this offseason, it would immediately make wide receiver one of their top needs in the 2024 NFL Draft with former fourth-round pick Calvin Austin underperforming last season.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers players strongly prefer this starting QB in 2024