The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March has quickly unraveled into a challenging predicament. In exchange for Johnson, the Steelers received cornerback Donte Jackson and a pick swap (Pick 240 for Pick 178), resulting in Iowa defensive tackle Logan Lee joining their roster.
This trade created a void in Pittsburgh’s wide receiver corps, a gap that’s becoming increasingly evident as the new season approaches.
Pittsburgh Steelers Decision to Trade Backfires
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ choice to let go of Johnson, a reliable contributor, left the team searching for consistency on offense. Head coach Mike Tomlin claimed Jackson was a player they had liked since his college days and saw the trade as an opportunity to reinforce their roster. However, this move appears to have backfired, further weakening the team’s wide receiver lineup.
Johnson Trade Rumors Disputed, Pittsburgh Steelers Struggle
Initial rumors suggested Johnson wanted out of Pittsburgh Steelers, but comments from both Johnson and Tomlin don’t fully align with that narrative. Regardless of the motivations, the Steelers now face the daunting task of patching up their wide receiver room with limited resources.
Pittsburgh Steelers Receiver Search Comes Up Short
Though Pittsburgh drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round, his slot-based playing style doesn’t directly address the absence of Johnson. Wilson is capable of providing an “always open” dynamic, but primarily from the slot rather than as a consistent partner to George Pickens.
Options on the free-agent market that could have provided short-term relief have dwindled. D.J. Chark, an attractive deep-ball threat, joined the Los Angeles Chargers. Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Miami Dolphins, while Michael Gallup is also off the table. Despite these players being imperfect fits, their experience and playmaking could have eased the pressure on Pickens.
Van Jefferson has a 54.6% career catch rate. Diontae Johnson is a HOFer compared to this guy. pic.twitter.com/dINfjrkKod
— Billy Hartford (@BudDupreeFan) May 3, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers Eyeing Costly Receiver Trade
Should Pittsburgh Steelers pursue a trade to solve their receiver woes, the cost will be steep. Wide receivers like Courtland Sutton, D.K. Metcalf, and Brandon Aiyuk could potentially be acquired, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ apparent desperation leaves them vulnerable to overpaying.
Sutton might be a plausible middle ground due to his connection with quarterback Russell Wilson from their days in Denver, and his acquisition would be less costly than securing Metcalf or Aiyuk.
Pittsburgh Steelers Face Critical Decision Point
The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads: if they believe they can contend for a Super Bowl, overpaying for a top-tier wide receiver may be worthwhile. Otherwise, making a trade only at the right price is critical, even if it means staying competitive for future seasons instead of going all-in now.
General Manager Omar Khan has excelled in his role, making strategic moves that have bolstered Pittsburgh’s prospects. Yet, this decision to part with Diontae Johnson has put the team in a tough spot. Whether they overpay for a big-name receiver or make a more conservative play, it remains a pressing challenge as they seek to avoid a bottom-tier wide receiver corps in the NFL this season.
