3 Steelers whose names are guaranteed to be in trade rumors this offseason
- Could the team ship out another wide receiver due to attitude problems?
By Scott Long
2. Diontae Johnson
Since being drafted by the Steelers in the third round in 2019 out of Toledo, Diontae Johnson has been an extremely productive NFL receiver. He's been a starter for most of the five years that he has spent with the Steelers, and has been a favorite target of whoever has been under center.
However, despite all of his success at the NFL level, Steelers fans can't help but want more out of Johnson. Johnson's an extremely gifted receiver, with impeccable route running, good speed, and good hands, yet has never established himself as a true number-one receiver. While he has flashed his greatness, and continually put up strong end-of-season stat lines, the little things are what hold him back from being a true number one. Whether it's drops due to a lack of concentration, seemingly constantly getting dinged up, attitude concerns, running backward, or celebrating when his team is losing, there is always something that seems to be holding him back from being the best receiver he can be.
This season has perfectly summed up Johnson's career, as he has been a target hog when on the field, and has had several games that show just how good he can truly be, and just how much separation he can create. In addition to that he spent some time on Injured Reserve, he faced backlash for not trying to tackle an opposing player after an interception and was seen dancing after a touchdown while the team was being blown out by the New England Patriots.
It is definitely possible that the Steelers gauge what they can get for him on the trade market. He is still a super talented receiver, and if he's paired with a high-end quarterback or an offensive guru coach maybe he can maximize his potential. With all the noise around him this season, the Steelers will listen to offers for him and could take one if the right offer presents itself. However, as the only established veteran under contract towards the top of the wide receiver room, it is more likely they will trade another talented receiver.