With less than 48 hours until the NFL’s legal tampering period opens up, moves are already being made around the league
That has brushed up conversations from earlier in the week surrounding Diontae Johnson’s future, though it may not include the same fate as Juedy:
Pittsburgh Steelers are open to trading Diontae Johnson
Now there have been rumblings about Johnson’s tenure in Pittsburgh dating back to the season. The organization didn’t appreciate his antics which included giving up on a play and then making things even worse with some postgame comments that would ultimately lead to a punishment from Mike Tomlin.
And while Johnson is undoubtedly productive, and a former Pro Bowler, he is entering the final year of his deal and is likely to be signed elsewhere come 2025, leaving Pittsburgh fishing to see what they can catch in terms of draft capital.
But after analyzing what Jerry Jeudy netted the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh may be better off keeping him:
Now Johnson is more decorated and has been the more productive player, but Jeudy isn’t even 25 years old and had a terrific 2022 season that saw him go for 972 yards and six TDs on 67 catches and 100 targets, all the while playing with subpar QB play.
Jeudy also has the nod over Johnson in multiple stats, leading him in yards per reception (14.5 vs. 11.2) Yards after catch per reception (5.6 vs. 4.4) Average depth of target (12.3 vs. 9.4) and has a lower drop percentage at 5.1% vs. Johnson’s 5.2%.
That doesn’t bode well for the Steelers’ trade market, even if initial reports suggested they could command a potential third-round pick for Johnson.
But between what the Browns just paid for a younger and relatively similar player, coupled with some of the concerns about Johnson, Pittsburgh is better off loading up for 2024 and drafting another WR either this year or next to replace him.
