Just days before the NFL’s free agency period is set to begin, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly open to listening to trade calls on wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
There will be interest from teams around the league as GMs are preparing for the start of the NFL‘s legal tampering period on March 11 and free agency opening on March 13.
Pittsburgh Steelers Listening to Trade Offers for Diontae Johnson
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Steelers are open to listening to trade calls on Diontae Johnson.
The Steelers drafted Johnson out of Toledo in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Still just 27 years old, Johnson has 25 career touchdowns and 391 receptions for 4,363 yards.
The Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada last season, replacing him with former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. Smith could take Pittsburgh’s receiving room in a new direction, especially after George Pickens had an impressive second season.
Last season, Johnson caught 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s struggling offense.
The news that the Steelers could be looking to move off of Johnson comes right after they met with free agent quarterback Russell Wilson on Friday. While Wilson also had an “exploratory” meeting with the New York Giants and could still visit the Raiders, the Steelers were the first known team with interest in meeting with him.
Kenny Pickett struggled to improve in his second season with the Steelers, completing 62% of his passes for 2,070 yards and only six touchdowns with four interceptions. He only started 12 games for the Steelers last year, and they looked like a more competent offense with Mason Rudolph at the helm.
Despite inconsistencies from Pickett, the Steelers found a way to finish last season 10-7. Rudolph’s Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. Johnson caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in that playoff game.
KEEP READING: NFL Free Agency Predictions — Cowboys Land Derrick Henry, Chiefs Sign Gabe Davis
Over the last few seasons, Johnson became Pittburgh’s most dependable receiving option after losing Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Chase Claypool in recent seasons. Moving off of him would mean an increased workload for Pickens, who just turned 23 years old. In just two seasons, Pickens is closing in on 2,000 receiving yards and has already scored nine touchdowns.
In 2022, the Steelers extended Johnson with a two-year, $36.71 million agreement. He’s set to hit unrestricted free agency next season, but teams could be interested in trading a mid-round draft pick for a one-year rental.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
