Bryce Young now has an additional weapon thanks to Carolina.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the Panthers are getting wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round choice (No. 240 overall) from the Steelers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a 2024 sixth-round selection (No. 178 overall).
Even though he had led Pittsburgh in catches in two of the previous three seasons, Johnson—a former third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft—was being watched by trade teams before to his free agency.
Over his five years in the NFL, the 27-year-old wide receiver has accumulated 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. Johnson’s hands have failed him down sometimes, particularly at the beginning of his career, but he still has 391 career receptions and a tantalizing ability to get open in space.
George Pickens surpassed Johnson in 2023 as the team’s top target. Johnson missed four games due to injuries last season, and his career-low 51 catches were also a result of his ailments. However, he surpassed his rookie year’s 11.5 yards per catch to a new career best of 14.1.
With plenty of career remaining, he will now try to assist Young get back on track after the quarterback’s difficult first year in which he led the worst passing offense in the league.
In the meanwhile, Jackson’s entrance strengthens the Steelers’ already formidable defense, but Johnson’s departure leaves them without a single established pass-catcher when Russell Wilson arrives.
Jackson, a second-round pick in 2018, has started 80 games at cornerback for Carolina and has 14 interceptions in his career with the Black and Gold. He and Patrick Queen are the biggest defensive acquisitions Pittsburgh has made this summer.
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