This offseason is a pivotal one for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While they snuck into the playoffs with a 10-7 regular-season record in 2023, the Steelers haven’t won a postseason game since the 2016 season. Kenny Pickett has proven largely ineffective as Ben Roethlisberger’s successor at quarterback, while head coach Mike Tomlin is set to enter the final year of his contract.
As such, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pittsburgh make some major moves in the weeks and months ahead. And one of those moves could be trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson, with Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reporting that Pittsburgh might be open to dealing the 2021 Pro Bowl selection for the right price.
“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 news of the Steelers’ reported willingness to deal Johnson made headlines, many took to social media to respond. That seemingly included Johnson himself, who made a series of vague social media posts on Sunday night.
“People just be talkin,” the 27-year-old posted along with a yawning emoji.
People just be talkin ..🥱
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) March 3, 2024
“It is what it is..” he wrote, along with a shrugging emoji.
It is what it is.. 🤷🏾♂️
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) March 3, 2024
After earning second-team All-Pro honors as a returner in his rookie season, the Toledo product has enjoyed a productive career as a wide receiver, amassing at least 680 receiving yards in each of his five seasons in Pittsburgh. After catching 51 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns in 13 regular-season games in 2023, Johnson is entering the final season of a two-year, $36.7 million extension he signed with the Steelers in 2022.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.