The NFL community was taken aback by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ surprising decision to trade star wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Speculation surrounding the motives behind the trade circulated widely, with rumors suggesting that the Steelers were motivated to part ways with Johnson due to various issues he had allegedly caused. Throughout the 2023 season, signs of Johnson’s discontent in Pittsburgh were evident, and fans grew increasingly disillusioned with him.
However, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin swiftly moved to dispel these rumors, asserting that the sole reason for the trade was their desire to acquire Donte Jackson. Tomlin emphasized that there were no additional factors influencing their decision. Despite his efforts to clarify the situation, skepticism remains among some observers regarding Tomlin’s statement.
Joe Rutter, a reporter specializing in Steelers coverage for TribLive, penned an article detailing the team’s pursuit of wide receivers to fill the void left by Johnson’s departure. Within the piece, Rutter shared notable quotes from Dave Canales, the newly-appointed head coach of the Panthers.
Canales expressed his admiration for Johnson, emphasizing his belief in the wide receiver’s exceptional talent. He eagerly anticipates Johnson’s contributions to enhancing the Panthers’ offensive capabilities and motivating the entire team to elevate their performance.
“Diontae can release against the best corners in the league and get open and be available for the quarterback,” Canales said. “He really has a dynamic style of play that I thought we were missing. I wanted to look at more ways we could add that explosiveness to our pass game. He was a big piece of it.”
While Canales accurately acknowledged Johnson’s dynamic skill set, it’s undeniable that his departure from Pittsburgh will leave a significant void. Concerns regarding Johnson’s attitude and consistency in effort have frequently surfaced.
Throughout the tumultuous 2023 season, Johnson found himself embroiled in controversy. Criticism mounted when he appeared to lack effort in recovering a fumbled ball during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Additionally, he faced challenges in assuming a leadership role and setting a positive example for fellow wide receiver George Pickens, who, despite his immense talent, struggled with off-field issues.
For Johnson, his troubles seemed to stem from a series of minor setbacks that accumulated over time. Initially, he grappled with securing catchable footballs, but as he overcame this hurdle, he encountered difficulties finding the end zone, enduring an extended touchdown drought.
Despite occasional questions about his leadership and attitude, Johnson consistently delivered on the field during his five-year tenure with the Steelers. His standout season occurred in 2021, earning him a Pro Bowl selection after recording impressive stats: 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.
Canales’ excitement about acquiring Johnson reflects the high regard he’s held for the talented receiver. As Johnson embarks on the next chapter of his career outside of Pittsburgh, Steelers fans will undoubtedly continue to follow his journey closely. Johnson is poised to be a massive weapon for the Panthers in 2024.
