The Pittsburgh Steelers are swapping a wide receiver for secondary help, and it comes at a questionable time for their new quarterback. The Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson this week. The Steelers took advantage of Wilson’s league minimum contract to go all-in for the 2024 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant cuts last week
However, the Steelers made a series of cuts to their secondary last week to save cap space. They released Patrick Peterson and Keanu Neal. On Tuesday, the Steelers added depth to their secondary.
The Steelers traded for Donte Jackson
Per Adam Schefter with ESPN, the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick with the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick.
Trade terms:
🏈Panthers receive WR Diontae Johnson and a 7th-round pick.
🏈Steelers receive DB Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick. https://t.co/jdl57fi2zo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024
Why is Russell Wilson here again?
Jackson, the Panthers’ 2018 second-round pick, has been a staple of a solid defense in Carolina. For the 2024 season, he should help a transitioning secondary in Pittsburgh.
The price will mean Wilson will lose one of the Steelers’ best offensive targets, Johnson, who was the second-leading receiver last season.
The Steelers made a curious move to trade away Johnson after bringing in Wilson. Although there were reports the team was interested in doing so, it’s still surprising to see it happen.
Wilson will still have George Pickens to throw to. But the team released another veteran pass catcher, Allen Robinson, last week.
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