6 receivers the Steelers must sign to replace Diontae Johnson

Steelers could sign Calvin Ridley

If the team wants their most one-for-one replacement for Johnson, look no further than Calvin Ridley. His story is an infamous one right now. He was an up-and-coming player, an injury derailed his fourth season, and then he was banned for a season due to sports betting.

He returned to action with the Jaguars last season. While he looked rusty at times, he was productive, and there is reason to think that he can still squeeze out a few more good seasons at his age. He may not be the blossoming receiver of a few seasons ago, but Ridley is still a viable receiving threat.

He is also a sharp route runner, which is something that you are losing with Johnson now gone. While Ridley isn’t a perfect fit, he would be the closest replacement to what was lost. There will be questions as to how much he will get paid, but if the team wants the most similar replacement, then they should look no further than Ridley.

The trade of Johnson came as a shock and the lack of draft picks acquired makes landing a veteran receiver a need. There is some flexibility as to who they can target, but for my money, at least one of these six veteran receivers needs to sign with the Steelers this offseason.