The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant decision in the 2023 offseason by trading away their star wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. Johnson had been an outstanding player during his time in Pittsburgh, but reports indicated that the organization was growing weary of the issues he was causing. This led to his trade.
Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where his situation will be markedly different from Pittsburgh. He will be playing for a team with a young quarterback, Bryce Young, and a dismal record, having won only two games in 2023. Johnson hopes to be a major upgrade for the Panthers and help Young acclimate to the league.
Upon his arrival, Johnson met with several coaches over dinner, admitting that he didn’t even know Dave Canales was his head coach. As he spends more time in Carolina, preparing for a new chapter in his career, Johnson was interviewed by The Athletic. During the interview, he shared the differences between Canales and his former head coach, Mike Tomlin.
“I really didn’t know, to be honest. I was just trying to process the whole thing of me getting traded and what was going on with my situation. Once I got here, his energy was different. He’s a younger coach. I’ve been around Coach T (Mike Tomlin) for five years. Coach T’s serious. He’s about his business. I’m not saying coach Canales is not. But they’ve both got different personalities. So it was kind of a surprise to me when I first met him.”
In the first part of Johnson's response, he explained why he initially didn't recognize that Canales was his new head coach. Canales, joining the Panthers as a rookie head coach, is known for his innovative offensive system and coaching prowess, which earned him the position. Canales expressed his excitement about adding Johnson to the Panthers' offense, viewing his addition as a significant win for the organization. He is hopeful that Johnson can play a crucial role in helping Young develop as a quarterback.
Johnson is a unique wide receiver, renowned for his exceptional route-running skills and his knack for getting open. Having a receiver of his caliber is undoubtedly a benefit for a young quarterback like Young. However, during his tenure in Pittsburgh, Johnson faced challenges in leadership. His effort was often questioned, and his attitude became a point of contention throughout the 2023 season. This culminated in a heated exchange with teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick after a game.
Despite these issues, Johnson's talent is undeniable. His ability to create separation and make critical plays can transform the Panthers' offense. Canales is optimistic that a change of scenery and a new system will bring out the best in Johnson, allowing him to reach his full potential. The combination of Johnson's skills and Young's potential could signal a new era for the Panthers, providing the team with a much-needed offensive spark.
As Johnson adjusts to his new surroundings in Carolina, he has started to recognize the distinct differences between Canales and his former head coach. However, Steeler Nation knows that no one compares to Tomlin. This is why many players across the league choose Tomlin as the coach they want to play for.
Ex-Steelers' Diontae Johnson Was Troubled In Pittsburgh
Not everything was Johnson's fault in Pittsburgh. He played in a struggling offense, and at times, his frustrations were justified. The issues came to a head when he failed to pursue a fumble and jogged off the field against the Cincinnati Bengals. His interactions with the media often missed the mark, and it seemed the organization had grown weary of the drama, ultimately leading to his trade.
Tomlin stated that the trade was simply because the Steelers saw an opportunity to acquire a player they had long desired. However, Steelers fans are reading between the lines, suspecting there was more to the decision than what was publicly acknowledged.
