Not a lot of people thought the Steelers would trade Diontae Johnson around this point last year. Yes, he was rumored to be a difficult teammate at times, but his production on the field made him almost irreplaceable. They decided to move him after his poor attitude and effective play and influence on George Pickens. Pittsburgh was looking to save their young star receiver.
This past March saw the Steelers ship Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson and a pick swap. On the surface, it looked like Omar Khan might have gotten fleeced by Carolina. Johnson was still seen as a top receiver whereas Jackson was a below-average starter at cornerback. That deal turned out to be a big win for the Steelers with continued drama around Johnson.
Jackson might not be having his best campaign in the NFL, but he has produced the most interceptions in a season throughout his career. Johnson meanwhile is on his third team this season going from the Panthers to the Ravens and now with the Texans.
Pittsburgh traded Johnson to try and save Pickens from becoming a diva in his own right, but it seems like he was destined to arrive there anyway.
Steelers finding a trade partner for George Pickens might be for the best
Perhaps the biggest problem in Steeler's land has been the reliability they had on Pickens this past year. They had no other receiver on the roster who could even come close to his talent level. Now they sit with a team without many options at receiver. Pickens has shown plenty of poor qualities during game time. No matter if it is fighting with fans, or players, or committing bonehead penalties.
Pittsburgh would be foolish to re-sign Pickens to a massive extension that he will command. He doesn't lack the talent that an extension would call for, but his antics that hurt the team should make him a priority to move on from. There will be a team desperate enough to trade for him, and the Steelers should get value in return. Moving Pickens might be a risk, but they need a better locker room.
READ MORE: Steelers should make blockbuster trade for disgruntled superstar in 2025
One of the worst things about Pickens is his attitude and inability to control his emotions. If he channeled those frustrations into playing football, then he could be the best in the NFL. He allows them to boil over and it takes plenty of emotion and effort from the team to reel him back in. The receiver position is already a weakness for the Steelers but moving Pickens is their best option.
If they don't pay Pickens, then they have a tremendous opportunity to use that money on another receiver. No matter if they sign someone in free agency or get aggressive on the trade market. Pickens is replaceable if Pittsburgh makes the right moves. You cannot afford to pay Pickens, and he will create even more drama when he holds out for a contract extension this offseason.