Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Implies Team Was Scared To Trade Him Within AFC

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced some challenges with their wide receiver room during the 2023 season. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens were at the center of media attention due to various issues. Some reports even suggested that the Steelers traded Johnson primarily because they were tired of the headaches he caused. Although Head Coach Mike Tomlin denied these claims, fans continue to speculate.

After the season, the Steelers surprised the football world by trading Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the Kansas City Chiefs, who were in desperate need of wide receiver help, had significant interest in trading for Johnson. However, the Steelers reportedly chose not to trade with the Chiefs to keep Johnson out of the AFC. Now, Johnson finds himself in the NFC with a team that won only two games in 2023.

Adjusting to his new city, Johnson spoke with Joseph Person of The Athletic to share his thoughts on the trade. When asked about the Chiefs' reported interest, Johnson admitted that he knew the Steelers were reluctant to trade him within the AFC.

“I guess they didn’t want to trade me nowhere in the AFC. I’m here now in the NFC. It is what it is. They did what they feel they had to was best on their part. I couldn’t really do nothing about that. So I’m gonna make plays with whatever team I was on or got traded to. I’m here in Carolina, so I’m here to work.”

Joining one of the worst teams in the league instead of being traded to a team that just won back-to-back Super Bowls is a significant change. Johnson was close to catching passes from the league's best quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Instead, he will now be receiving throws from Bryce Young, who struggled in his rookie season.

Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, had a tough first year, throwing just 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Panthers traded for Johnson hoping he could become a reliable target for their struggling quarterback. While Young still has potential, he will need considerable help in 2024. Acquiring Johnson is seen as a move to jumpstart Young's development and help him regain confidence with a dependable wide receiver.

The Panthers have high hopes for Johnson, and the Steelers were equally enthusiastic about the player they received in return. The Steelers welcomed cornerback Donte Jackson in exchange for Johnson. Jackson is a player the Steelers are very confident in, believing he will significantly bolster their secondary.

Steelers Made A Wise Choice Not Sending Diontae Johnson To Kansas City

The idea that the Steelers were hesitant to trade Johnson within the AFC is not unusual and likely influenced their decision-making process. Despite not winning a playoff game since the 2016 season, the Steelers understand the need to get back into Super Bowl contention. Trading Johnson to the NFL's best team would have made their hopes of winning the AFC much more challenging. They probably didn't want to strengthen an opponent by improving their one weak point.

Instead, the Steelers sent Johnson to a team far from competing. In Carolina, Johnson will play a major role in the offense and is likely to have an impressive 2024 season in terms of stats. While the Steelers will miss his presence, trading him was probably the right move. The Steelers have a long history of developing wide receiver talent through the draft. Johnson was expensive, and his attitude and effort were often questioned during his time in Pittsburgh.

This trade offers a fresh start for both Johnson and the Steelers. The Steelers will look to fill the void left by Johnson with new talent. They drafted Roman Wilson in the third round, hoping he can positively impact the receiving corps as a rookie. By avoiding sending Johnson to the Chiefs, the Steelers made a smart move to protect their future Super Bowl hopes.