After weeks of speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have executed a trade involving wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Steelers are sending the accomplished playmaker to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson, according to NFL Media.
In addition to Johnson, the Panthers will reportedly acquire the Steelers’ 240th overall pick in the draft, while Pittsburgh will receive Carolina’s 178th overall pick.
This trade appears to be mutually beneficial for both teams. The Panthers gain a seasoned wide receiver to complement second-year quarterback Bryce Young, while the Steelers acquire a starting-caliber cornerback, addressing a position of need, and part ways with a player who no longer seemed to factor into their long-term plans.
Diontae Johnson, aged 27, has consistently led the Steelers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His standout performance in the 2021 season earned him his first Pro Bowl nod, recording career-highs with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.
But, Diontae Johnson his numbers saw a decline in the last two seasons, with no touchdown catches in 2022 and a dip in receiving totals. Despite this, he contributed with five touchdown catches in 2023, aiding the Steelers in securing a playoff berth.
Donte Jackson, also a member of the 2018 draft class, was a second-round pick and a consistent starter for the Panthers, making 76 starts in 80 regular-season games. Known for his ball-hawking skills, Jackson had at least two interceptions in each of his first five seasons, amassing a total of 14 career picks, along with 46 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and 303 tackles.
Assessing the recent trade between the Carolina Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, both teams made strategic moves that could benefit them in different ways.
The Panthers acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson, a talented player with a positive attitude, which could prove valuable for quarterback Bryce Young. While Johnson exhibited some locker-room issues in the past season, his productivity on the field is noteworthy. He is entering the final year of his contract.
Johnson has added motivation to perform well in 2024, potentially bringing positive outcomes for the Panthers.
On the other side, the Steelers made gains by improving their draft position and securing a starting-caliber cornerback in Joe Jackson, aged 28, who has consistently played on the outside throughout his career.
Jackson’s addition addresses a gap in the Steelers’ depth chart. Additionally, the Steelers’ move up to the 178th pick provides them with a better position to address various needs, including wide receiver (especially after parting ways with Allen Robinson II), center, offensive tackle, and secondary.
Both teams seem to have benefited from this trade, each addressing specific needs and gaining valuable assets for the upcoming season.
