The Pittsburgh Steelers took part in some of football’s most surprising trades this offseason.
They traded Kenny Pickett to the Eagles. Then they traded for Justin Fields to replace him.
Still, their most surprising trade may have been the one that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
The deal saw the Steelers receive Donte Jackson and the 178th pick in this year’s draft in exchange for Johnson and the 240th pick.
At least one of the players involved in the deal wasn’t expecting to get dealt
While speaking to the media on April 23, Johnson revealed that he was surprised that he was traded, but he felt blessed to get a fresh start.
“I was surprised, but blessed at the same time. Fresh start somewhere. I’ve been in Pittsburgh five years now. Coming here is different. Still trying to get acclimated, but I’m enjoying the process right now.”
The deal left them without a WR2.
At the time, the only players left who had made a catch for the Steelers in 2023 were George Pickens and Calvin Austin. Austin has just 180 career receiving yards.
Since then, they’ve signed Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson, but neither of them is really a replacement for Johnson.
The deal left them without a WR2.
At the time, the only players left who had made a catch for the Steelers in 2023 were George Pickens and Calvin Austin. Austin has just 180 career receiving yards.
Since then, they’ve signed Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson, but neither of them is really a replacement for Johnson.
