Diontae Johnson Trade Scenario Comes with Obvious Price

Another week in the offseason, another rumor swirls around the Pittsburgh Steelers. This time, though, it’s not about the quarterbacks but about wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Tony Pauline reported that the Steelers would move Johnson for the right, fair compensation.

“Is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson on the trading block? The short answer is possibly, if the price is right.” Pauline wrote. “…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.”

He appeared on 93.7 the Fan to discuss what the trade would cost for opposing teams, and unsurprisingly, it would cost a day-two pick. They would need more to trade him because of the potential compensatory pick they would receive in return for Johnson.

“I think they would move him for a third-round pick. I don’t think that they would take a day three selection to move him,” Pauline said.

Diontae Johnson is entering the team’s final year of his two-year extension. He missed multiple weeks this past season with a hamstring injury but has become part of the reason for hope around the Steelers’ offense. The talent at the skill positions is all there.

But Johnson’s game is marred with inconsistency but his route running skills is some of the best in the entire NFL. He is extremely hard to cover for any team, but the Steelers might not be willing to bring him back after this season, so if they get offered the right deal, they might be willing to move him.

The most notable frustrating play this past season was against the Cincinnati Bengals when Jaylen Warren fumbled and instead of chasing after the ball, Johnson instead looked frustrated and watched. He addressed it in the locker room and said that everyone moved on.

I addressed the situation to them,” Johnson said. “To my teammates, and I know how they feel. I know how I should go about the situation next time when it occurs. I just owned up to it. I’m not perfect. All I can do is move forward and keep playing football.”

The Steelers have shown tons of interest in the top receivers in the class over the last few days, including Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, leading to speculation about Johnson’s future.