Steelers Trade Pesky WR Diontae Johnson After Tumultuous Season

Diontae Johnson's turbulent run in Pittsburgh is over, two days after the Steelers welcomed Russell Wilson as their new quarterback.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading away Diontae Johnson, their high-end No. 2 receiver, to the Carolina Panthers, first reported on Tuesday by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Carolina sent cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round 2024 pick in exchange for Johnson.

The Steelers and Johnson couldn't find a way forward together, yet their split was long overdue.

Johnson became a troublesome player for the Steelers' locker room. He frequently aired out his frustrations in Pittsburgh, playing with a carousel of sub-par quarterbacks, which in his case did hinder his potential.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

It was a cruddy circumstance made worse by a player with a bad outlook. And not just a bad outlook, but an impulse to act upon his disgruntlement. 

Despite his smaller frame at 5-foot-10, Diontae Johnson's big-play threat made him a valuable asset, averaging more than 10 yards per reception in all five seasons in Pittsburgh. 

Diontae enjoyed a breakout year in 2021, recording 107 catches for 1,161 yards and 8 touchdowns, also earning a Pro Bowl nod.

Johnson and the Steelers agreed to a two-year, $36.7 million contract extension in August 2022.

DJ's season-to-season stats are impressive considering his reliance on a washed-up Ben Roethlisberger and every other backup-level replacement who came after Big Ben (Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, etc.).

However, Johnson's constant petulance on the football field became a major distraction for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers last season. 

At his worst, Johnson gave up on plays and chewed out coaching personnel. 

Mike Tomlin addressed Johnson's pouting on several occasions. Between Johnson and the disgruntled George Pickens, Pittsburgh had to find relief from all the hostility in the locker room.

Now welcoming Russell Wilson as their QB1, the Steelers would prefer a peaceful locker room. 

It's a big miss for the Steelers' offense but a necessary move. Johnson's future doesn't appear a shade brighter in Carolina, a team without much star personnel on either side of the football.

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