The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly doing their homework on replacing Diontae Johnson for the 2024 season. Reports came out over the weekend the Steelers were looking to trade Johnson before the start of the league’s new year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded with the Carolina Panthers
The Steelers executed a trade with the Carolina Panthers that sent Johnson to team up with Bryce Young. In the swap, the Steelers received cornerback Donta Jackson to help with the secondary general manager Omar Khan had to deplete last week for cap-saving purposes.
Johnson was the Steelers’ second-leading receiver last season behind George Pickens. The team’s choice to trade Johnson was curious after it signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson for the 2024 season. The Steelers need playmakers on an offense that failed to stay consistent for most of the 2023 campaign.
The Steelers are expected to replace Diontae Johnson in the draft
According to Field Yates with ESPN, the Steelers are expected to take a wide receiver with the No. 20 pick in this year’s loaded pass-catching class. Yates named Brian Thomas Jr., AD Mitchell, and Xaiver Worthy the three targets the Steelers should be eyeing in the first round.
At least as things stand now, the Steelers will likely consider wide receiver at pick 20
If they’re there:
Brian Thomas, Jr.
AD Mitchell
Xavier WorthyAmongst the names in that range
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 12, 2024
Russell Wilson needs blockers up front too
While adding a wide receiver is now necessary for the Steelers after losing Johnson, one has to wonder if Pittsburgh should take the No. 20 pick instead. The Steelers’ pathetic offensive line was the main reason for their offensive struggles last season.
They could look to add help in the trenches early in the draft. After all, good wide receivers will be found throughout Day 1 and Day 2 this year.
Adding a top wide receiver won’t matter if the Steelers can’t protect Wilson,
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