GOOD NEWS: Panthers finally land long time top target.

The Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves through the NFL community with their decision to trade star wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Speculation swirled about the motives behind the trade, with rumors suggesting that the Steelers were eager to part ways with Johnson due to various issues he had caused. Throughout the 2023 season, Johnson’s discontent in Pittsburgh appeared palpable, and fans seemed increasingly disenchanted with him.

However, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin swiftly moved to dispel these rumors, asserting that the sole reason for the trade was their desire to acquire Donte Jackson. According to Tomlin, there were no additional factors at play. Despite his efforts to clarify, skepticism lingers among some observers regarding Tomlin’s statement.

Joe Rutter, a reporter for TribLive specializing in Steelers coverage, penned an article detailing the team’s pursuit of wide receivers to compensate for the departure of Johnson. Within the piece, Rutter unveiled noteworthy quotes from Dave Canales, the newly-appointed head coach of the Panthers.

Canales expressed a long-standing admiration for Johnson, emphasizing his belief in the wide receiver’s exceptional talent. He eagerly anticipates Johnson’s contributions to enhancing their offensive capabilities and motivating the entire team to elevate their performance.

 

While Canales accurately acknowledged Johnson’s dynamic skill set—he’s elusive, difficult to defend against, and possesses exceptional route-running abilities—it’s undeniable that his departure from Pittsburgh will leave a significant void. However, concerns regarding Johnson’s attitude and consistency in effort have frequently arisen.

Throughout the tumultuous 2023 season, Johnson found himself at the center of controversy. Criticism mounted when he appeared to lack effort in recovering a fumbled ball during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Additionally, he faced challenges in assuming a leadership role and setting a positive example for fellow wide receiver George Pickens, who, despite his immense talent, struggled with off-field issues.

For Johnson, his troubles seemed to stem from a series of minor setbacks that accumulated over time. Initially, he grappled with securing catchable footballs, but as he overcame this hurdle, he encountered difficulties in finding the end zone, enduring an extended touchdown drought.

When he finally did score, it was in a lackluster game against the struggling Arizona Cardinals, long after the outcome had been decided and the stadium had emptied. Johnson’s celebration of what appeared to be a meaningless touchdown underscored the culmination of these seemingly insignificant issues over his five-season tenure in Pittsburgh.