Could Diontae Johnson soon be on the move? At least one NFL insider seems to think so.
On Sunday, Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline published a column regarding the latest buzz at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. And the article included a tidbit regarding Johnson’s future, which may not necessarily be with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson on the trading block? The short answer is possibly, if the price is right, Pauline wrote, before adding, “While it’s not fair to say Johnson is on the trading block, several people tell me the Steelers are open to moving the receiver if they receive fair compensation.”
As for what would qualify as “fair compensation,” that remains unclear. The 27-year-old Johnson is entering the final season of a two-year, $36.7 million extension he signed with the Steelers in 2022 and is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he caught 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns in 13 regular-season games.
While the Toledo product isn’t necessarily one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, the 2021 Pro Bowl selection has proven himself to be a viable pass-catcher, having amassed at least 680 yards in each of his five pro seasons. It’s also worth noting that the Steelers’ quarterback play has largely been sporadic throughout Johnson’s time in Pittsburgh.
As news of the Steelers’ reported willingness to trade Johnson made headlines, many took to social media to respond.
The asking price has to be at the very least for a 3rd. Really don’t think they will get that unless a team is desperate to beef up their WR room. #Steelers https://t.co/MZgYmzqanb
— Trey Carney (@CarneyMedia) March 4, 2024
https://twitter.com/_jm711/status/1764434584002035977
I been telling ppl this nobody wanted to believe me I don’t think they want to pay him 20 million plus a year on a new contract https://t.co/93gVN81xkv
— Tony T (@Moreboutn0thing) March 4, 2024
Big mistake if they do. He’s a stud but gets hate because of a 2020 season that is now 3+ years old. https://t.co/uK7UQ95ag1
— Noah Moore (@maybe_its_noah) March 4, 2024
Told you guys. They don’t want to pay $16mil for the ~60th ranked WR. https://t.co/w4Yhe9g3qZ
— William (@SteelCity_917) March 3, 2024
Makes more sense the longer you think about it. Contract year for DJ, 18M cap hit. His skill set will get washed out in the new O. Imagine a contender would be all over him, but also imagine Steelers won’t trade for anything less than a 2nd. https://t.co/hbTlhxZqSv
— jordan. (@choateyounot) March 3, 2024
I’m not against trading DJ, if we can get a 2nd or 3rd for him I’m-okay with it. Honestly, trade him for Fields and a Pick. https://t.co/EcXgitT6js
— Michael Bednarz (@JustaMikeB) March 3, 2024
