Panthers acquire new weapon for Bryce Young
Bryce Young will have a new receiving weapon heading into 2024.
The Carolina Panthers have traded defensive back Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to the Steelers for wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Johnson, a former third-round pick, has played the entirety of his career with Pittsburgh where he's totaled 391 receptions, 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns.
In 2023, Johnson saw career lows in targets (87) and receptions (51) despite a career high in yards per reception (14.1). The former Steelers staple will now play alongside veteran Adam Thielen, who is coming off a resurgent year in which he racked up his fourth career 1,000-yard season.
Johnson is a route technician who could provide Young with another reliable option. In his career, Johnson has eclipsed 1,000 just once, but he has only seen upwards of 170 targets in one season.
Last year, the Panthers ranked dead last in total offense. Young totaled 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his rookie campaign as the Panthers trudged to 2-15.
Through two days of the NFL negotiating period ahead of the official start of free agency, Carolina has prioritized protecting their franchise QB with offensive linemen, making Johnson their first skill-position acquisition of 2024.
The 27-year-old receiver will be entering the final year of his contract and is due for a $3M roster bonus on Friday.
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