Diontae Johnson Traded by Pittsburgh Steelers to Carolina Panthers
Steelers Receive Seventh-Round Pick in Return
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers have agreed to a trade that sends wide receiver Diontae Johnson to Carolina in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The move comes after months of speculation about Johnson's future with the Steelers. Johnson, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract, had been seeking a new deal with Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, however, were unwilling to meet Johnson's demands, and the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract. As a result, the Steelers decided to trade Johnson to Carolina, where he will be reunited with former Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Rhule.
Johnson's Time in Pittsburgh Comes to an End
Johnson was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key part of Pittsburgh's offense, leading the team in receiving yards in both 2020 and 2021.
However, Johnson's production declined in 2022, and he was surpassed by rookie wide receiver George Pickens on the depth chart. Johnson finished the 2022 season with 88 receptions for 926 yards and three touchdowns.
Johnson's departure leaves a void in the Steelers' receiving corps. Pickens is expected to take over as the team's No. 1 wide receiver, but the Steelers will need to find another player to fill Johnson's role as a slot receiver.
Panthers Add a Playmaker to Their Offense
The Panthers are getting a talented playmaker in Johnson. Johnson is a versatile receiver who can line up in the slot or on the outside. He is also a dangerous returner, averaging 10.7 yards per punt return in his career.
Johnson's addition gives the Panthers another weapon on offense. He will join a receiving corps that already includes D.J. Moore, Robbie Anderson, and Terrace Marshall Jr.
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