After whispers that the Steelers could trade one of their starting wide receivers during the 2024 offseason, it looks like a move could be happening soon. Just two days before the start of the NFL's legal tampering period, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that a starting receiver could be traded soon.
Russini confirms that the Steelers are open to fielding offers from NFL teams regarding Diontae Johnson. This comes after it has been rumored that Pittsburgh could look to go in a different direction at wide receiver in Arthur Smith's offense.
The Steelers are open to listening to trade offers on WR Diontae Johnson. There is interest from teams around the league as GMs are getting set for free agency.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2024
Johnson was under fire during the 2023 season when a video of a replay angle during a game went viral. It appeared that Johnson turned his back and walked away while there was a live ball on the ground. The football was scooped up by the opposing team, but Johnson was disinterested in tracking him down.
Both Johnson and Pickens have been questioned about their lack of effort when run blocking at times, and Pittsburgh might not be comfortable with two receivers on the team who need to be motivated at times.
Still, it's not hard to understand why other NFL teams might be interested in his services.
What could the Steelers receive in a Diontae Johnson trade?
In the first five years of his NFL career, Johnson has compiled 391 receptions, 4,363 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns. However, it's his ability to create effortless separation that sets him apart from many starting receivers in the league. Johnson isn't the most consistent weapon on offense, but he has a knack for getting open with ease.
So far, there has been no word on what the Pittsburgh Steelers could be asking for in return. In previous rumors surrounding Diontae Johnson, some have speculated that Omar Khan could look for as high as a second-round pick. But that might be out of the question.
Considering that Johnson's career has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride and the fact that he is entering a contract year, a third-round pick might be the most that Pittsburgh's front office could hope for. Whether or not this would be enough to get a deal done is an entirely different question.
Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl have shown that they aren't messing around. The new heads of the front office have made multiple trades since taking over last year, and Johnson could join Chase Claypool as another former Day 2 pick at wide receiver is traded.
It's worth noting that Claypool and Johnson were both drafted before Khan and Weidl took over the front office. It;'s time to shape up or ship out.