Known for their consistency and stability, the Pittsburgh Steelers are at a bit of a crossroads as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Much of that has to do with their quarterback situation. The jury is still very much out on Kenny Pickett following a rough 2023 season.
By all accounts, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers will be riding with Pickett and are committed to seeing if he can develop into the franchise quarterback they thought they were getting when they drafted him out of Pitt in 2022.
Report: #Steelers are currently not interested in acquiring Justin Fields or bringing in any of the top available quarterbacks in free agencyhttps://t.co/JSe1cP7VEh
— SteelerNation (@steelernation) March 4, 2024
Interestingly, the Steelers are reportedly considering a significant offseason trade, potentially involving star wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Tony Pauline on Diontae Johnson: "Is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson on the trading block? The short answer is possibly, if the price is right …
While it’s not fair to say Johnson is on the trading block, several people tell me the Steelers are open to moving the… https://t.co/E02VxDsRQL— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 4, 2024
The speculation arose from a report by Tony Pauline, who disclosed the Steelers openness to the trade scenario.
“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,” Pauline stated.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Diontae Johnson’s latest social media post following a report that came out saying the #Steelers could potentially trade him for the right price.
“It is what it is.. 🤷🏾♂️” pic.twitter.com/ITNgb2e7S8
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 3, 2024
Johnson, a standout player in the AFC over the past few seasons, has amassed an impressive 4,363 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns since joining Pittsburgh in 2019.
Diontae Johnson to Kenny Pickett on his way out pic.twitter.com/PAzq3jN20f
— Blake (@SteelersMafiaaa) March 4, 2024
Drafted in the third round out of Toledo, Johnson quickly established himself as a vital component of the Steelers offense.
.@MarkKaboly says he's been hearing that Diontae Johnson might not want to be on the #Steelers anymorehttps://t.co/pZZXZRqIcM pic.twitter.com/i9WfLFfES2
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) March 4, 2024
Can’t blame him, I wouldn’t want to be there with the quarterbacks on this roster either!!
— Toby (@TobyMcG95) March 4, 2024
However, it’s no secret that Johnson has been quite a headache for Tomlin and the Steelers.
There have been several occasions where his effort on the field has been questioned – and rightfully so…
Get this clown out of Pittsburgh. His career is done. He's a drop machine and a nobody without Big Ben dumping him 5 yard routes. Steelers need a veteran WR with an actual voice, not Allen Robinson
— Dobby B (@Grizzly_Deez) November 26, 2023
What giving up looks like.
— Leslie Motta (@LeslieM0tta) November 26, 2023
Notably, there are also reports that Johnson could be used in a trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧:
The #Bears have resumed trade talks for Justin Fields after a brief pause to focus on the combine.The #Steelers have been the most aggressive in talks but the Bears want Diontae Johnson in the deal who the Steelers have been unwilling to part with so far.… pic.twitter.com/Cz4jyF1JYm
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) March 4, 2024
The Bears are expected to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, meaning they’d be best off to get as much for Fields while they can.
Bears want Diontae Johnson in the Fields trade? #PackHisBags pic.twitter.com/UCnRSRQN61
— Rico 🧃 (@SteelersRuinMe) March 4, 2024
Do you think the Steelers should trade Johnson?
what would they have to receive in return to make it worthwhile?
Looking at the big picture with the Steelers, are you a believer in Pickett?
Is he truly the long-term answer at quarterback?
Or would Pittsburgh be better off going a different route, such as trading for Fields???