TREAD NEWS :The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly made a QB available for a major trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been often mentioned in NFL rumors this offseason, with the team purportedly interested in trading Justin Fields or signing Russell Wilson in free agency. However, it now looks that the club is willing to part ways with some talent as well.
Pittsburgh is in the limelight more than usual this offseason. While the organization has publicly committed to quarterback Kenny Pickett, there is significantly less clarity and confidence in the former first-round pick behind closed doors.Related: A surprising update on Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade target Justin Fields.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is interested in Fields, several players in the locker room reportedly prefer Pickett not be the starter in 2024, and the front office is still backing its top choice in
the 2022 NFL draft. As Pittsburgh tries to figure it all out, it’s allegedly willing to trade one of its key players over the next four years.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported from the NFL Combine that the Steelers are willing to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Pittsburgh is not formally floating him to clubs, but word around the league is that he might be purchased if the compensation is appropriate.
Johnson, who turns 28 in July, has been extremely productive in recent years. The former third-round pick hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2021, but that’s largely because to the team’s quarterback issues.
Diontae Johnson’s career stats include 391 receptions, 4,363 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns across 77 games.
Following a brief holdout throughout training camp, Pittsburgh extended Johnson’s contract for two years and $36.7 million in August 2022. While he has been quite productive, given the struggles of the passing game, he is facing a contract year.
Pauline does not go into detail about the money Pittsburgh is seeking for, but it stands to reason that the club is analyzing his trade market during a contract year. Negotiations between the two sides were strained a few years ago, and the club may now be considering whether it is a better long-term move to trade him now rather than keep him for another year before he presumably leaves in free agency next offseason.
If the Steelers move Johnson this offseason, wide receiver will become one of their top needs in the 2024 NFL Draft, since former fourth-round pick Calvin Austin underperformed last season.