The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a significant offseason. General Manager Omar Khan took fans' complaints to heart and did everything in the organization’s power to end their playoff drought. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, but the 2024 season brings high hopes of breaking that streak.
One of the most surprising moves of the offseason was the decision to trade star wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. While this move strengthened their cornerback room, it significantly weakened their wide receiver lineup.
ESPN Analytics' Seth Walder graded the Steelers' offseason, analyzing the trade from an analytical perspective. According to Walder, the trade was not favorable for the Steelers. He explained why he believed trading Johnson was a mistake for the team.
“Trading Johnson for Jackson was an error in my view. While Jackson helps fill the void at corner opposite Joey Porter Jr., Johnson has much higher upside considering the incredible open scores (via our receiver tracking metrics) he has posted in his career -- three 90-plus scores in five seasons.”
Walder's analysis was grounded in data, using NFL receiving tracking metrics from ESPN to assess Johnson's value to the Steelers' offense. He compared this with the addition of Jackson and couldn't understand why the Steelers made this trade.
Reports surfaced suggesting that the Steelers traded Johnson due to the issues he was causing within the organization. However, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin denied these claims. He stated that the trade was simply a player swap motivated by their long-standing interest in Jackson. When the opportunity to acquire Jackson arose, they seized it.
Jackson joins the Steelers with great enthusiasm, more excited for this season than any other since his NFL career began. Drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has spent six seasons with the Panthers, accumulating 303 combined tackles, 46 passes defensed, and 14 interceptions.
Johnson significantly contributed to the Steelers' offense during his time in Pittsburgh. However, he frequently frustrated fans. Initially, it was his dropped passes, followed by his inability to score, and his attitude and effort being repeatedly questioned. Johnson was an excellent wide receiver known for his exceptional route running. He was a reliable safety net, always finding a way to get open. Replacing Johnson won't be easy, but it is possible.
Steelers Still Working To Fill The Diontae Johnson Void
The Steelers have been working hard this offseason to find a receiver who can fill Johnson's shoes and complement George Pickens. However, their search has yet to be successful. As it stands, pundits are viewing the trade of Johnson as a mistake.
The Steelers' coaching staff and front office understand the importance of finding the right fit to replace Johnson. They have been exploring various options, including free agents, potential trades, and even via the draft, to identify a receiver who can step into the role. They drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with hopes he can help fill the void.
The pressure is on to ensure that the offense remains dynamic and versatile. Meanwhile, fans are eager to see how the new season unfolds and whether the team can overcome the loss of such a key player. The Steelers’ ability to adapt and find a suitable replacement will be crucial to their success in the 2024 season.
