3 potential surprises that would alter the Steelers draft strategy
By Scott Long
2. A Diontae Johnson Trade Request
Let me preface this by saying that Diontae Johnson has not requested a trade, nor is it an assumption that he will. However, this offseason many wide receivers have gotten paid massive contracts, and part of the reason they have gotten them is due to the fact that they have forced their way out of their current situations.
Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill both requested trades and got mega contracts from their new teams, and Deebo Samuel is the latest wide receiver to request a trade from his current team, but his situation is still ongoing.
Additionally, DK Metcalf, AJ Brown, and Terry McLaurin have all had their names linked to trade rumors as well, as they are going into the final seasons of their rookie contracts.
Johnson was in the same draft class as these three and all four of them are due for significant raises after seeing Adams and Hill sign massive extensions and Christian Kirk and Mike Williams inking netting big contracts as well. This offseason has seen the wide receiver position join: quarterback, pass rusher, and left tackle as one of the positions that get paid above the rest of the pack.
"My understanding is that Diontae Johnson wants to be in Pittsburgh long-term. I think he's prepared to play it out...I think he sees himself as having a chance in year four to be a top guy." - @JFowlerESPN
— Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) April 20, 2022
According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, Johnson wants to remain in Pittsburgh and play out his contract, and that is likely true. He has seen criticisms for drops early in his career and building off his career year in 2021, and putting up another Pro Bowl season would ensure a big payday for the young receiver.
I don’t believe that Johnson will request a trade, however, it is impossible to ignore the way the league has changed this offseason at the position, and it’s a situation worth monitoring. More likely he will play out this season in Pittsburgh and following this season, the team will determine if they should extend him, place the franchise tag on him, or try and find a trade partner.
Wide receiver is already a position of need and the team will draft one either way, but if this was to happen the team would need to select more than one wide receiver, and a round one selection on a receiver would be much more likely. As of now, the Steelers will likely be looking for a slot receiver, with names such as Skyy Moore, Jahan Dotson, Wan’Dale Robinson, John Metchie III, and others being potential selections.