The Pittsburgh Steelers recently made the decision to part ways with their former third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, Diontae Johnson, trading him to the Carolina Panthers. While speculation abounds regarding the circumstances surrounding the trade, opinions vary widely. Some suggest that Johnson sought a change of scenery and actively pursued a trade, while others believe he was taken aback by the sudden move and did not desire to leave.
Despite the trade, Steelers fans have maintained a keen interest in their former wide receiver’s journey. In a recent interview with the Carolina media, Johnson shed light on his feelings of shock and surprise upon learning of the trade, providing valuable insight into his mindset and understanding of the situation.
Carolina Blitz, a reputable media outlet covering the Panthers, shared key highlights from the interview, revealing the player’s candid admission of being blindsided by the trade news.
During the interview, Johnson detailed his rapport with his new quarterback, Bryce Young, a young signal-caller who faced challenges in his debut NFL season and is poised to enter his sophomore year with Johnson as a prime target. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Young encountered hurdles during his rookie campaign. However, with Johnson now in the mix, there’s optimism that the dynamic wideout will serve as Young’s primary option, injecting a much-needed boost to the team’s offense.
Johnson emphasized during the interview that he has received assurances from the coaching staff that he will play a central role in the offensive scheme throughout the entirety of the 2024 season. This declaration underscores the team’s confidence in Johnson’s abilities and signals their intention to leverage his talent to elevate the performance of the entire offense.
“Dave [Canales] told me that soon as I got here. I’m playing the X and I’m going to be the first read of the progression almost every play because you know the unique skill set I bring to the table and I’m going to utilize it.”
Overall, the tone of the interview remained upbeat, with Johnson refraining from disparaging his former team, the Steelers. However, he did acknowledge that the trade has fueled a sense of determination within him, suggesting that he’s motivated to prove to the Steelers that they made an error in trading him away.
While Johnson’s departure leaves a void in Pittsburgh, particularly for his on-field prowess, it’s worth noting that his productivity came at a significant cost, and some feel he fell short of fully realizing his potential with the Steelers. According to Johnson, the decision to trade him was initiated by the Steelers themselves. Reports surfaced suggesting that the organization opted to part ways with him due to perceived off-field issues and the associated disruptions.
Steelers Are Hopeful To Find A Wide Receiver To Fill Diontae Johnson’s Role
Reports have consistently highlighted the Steelers’ active involvement in trade discussions, particularly concerning the wide receiver position. Among the names generating the most buzz is Brandon Aiyuk, presenting an enticing prospect for the Steelers.
However, negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk’s current team, have proven challenging, as they are adamant about retaining him. Despite their efforts, the 49ers and Aiyuk have yet to reach a resolution, leading to speculation that a trade to the Steelers could still materialize, possibly even on draft day.
While the prospect of acquiring Aiyuk carries undeniable allure, it also entails significant risks. Other wide receiver options, including Brandin Cooks, have been floated as potential alternatives for the WR2 role. Additionally, the Steelers are expected to explore the talented pool of wide receivers available in the upcoming draft, further complicating their decision-making process.
