Carolina has bolstered its offensive arsenal for Bryce Young by adding wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Panthers struck a deal with the Steelers, acquiring Johnson along with a 2024 seventh-round pick in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a 2024 sixth-round selection, as reported by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero on Tuesday.
Johnson, originally a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had been on the trade radar leading up to free agency, despite leading Pittsburgh in receptions in two of the past three seasons.
The 27-year-old receiver has accumulated 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns over his five-year NFL career. While Johnson has faced challenges with dropped passes, particularly early in his career, he possesses exceptional skills for finding open spaces and remains a consistent target with 391 career catches.
In 2023, Johnson took a backseat to George Pickens as the team’s primary target and battled injuries, resulting in him missing four games and registering a career-low 51 receptions. However, he achieved a career-high average yards per reception, jumping from 11.5 in his rookie season to 14.1.
With plenty of potential ahead of him, Johnson aims to provide support to Young, who faced challenges during his rookie season, including leading the league’s lowest-ranked passing offense.
As Johnson departs, the Steelers lose a reliable pass-catching option for Russell Wilson, who recently joined the team. However, Pittsburgh’s defense receives a boost with the addition of Jackson.
A second-round pick in 2018, Jackson brings experience from 80 games with Carolina and boasts 14 career interceptions. His arrival, alongside Patrick Queen, enhances the Steelers’ defensive unit for the upcoming season.
