The Pittsburgh Steelers traded broad receiver Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round NFL Draft choose (No. 240) to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-rounder (No. 178).
Why they made the transfer
Johnson and the Steelers had been prepared for a break up after a rocky fifth season collectively, throughout which he tallied a career-low 51 receptions, and his 717 receiving yards had been the fewest since his rookie season. His stats had fallen off in two consecutive seasons after a profession 12 months in 2021. Johnson’s effort got here below scrutiny at occasions in 2023.
His $3 million roster bonus is due Friday, so the timing of the transfer was important. The Steelers saved $10 million in cap area by transferring Johnson, however Jackson will take up a piece of that.
The Panthers couldn’t preserve Jackson on the books with a $15.7 million cap hit, so their transfer was additionally financially motivated.
The Steelers have been making ready for a reset at receiver, they usually additionally wanted a lift at cornerback after slicing Patrick Peterson this month. Jackson is a stable, dependable veteran who ought to mesh properly in Pittsburgh.
Jackson, 28, has began 76 of 80 profession video games, so he’ll convey loads of expertise to the Steelers’ protection. He additionally performed 16 video games final season, matching his profession excessive, which was necessary coming off an Achilles damage in 2022.
The Panthers, as famous following the Brian Burns commerce, have made a concerted effort to provide quarterback Bryce Younger as a lot assist as doable. Johnson may very well be an necessary a part of that enterprise if he performs wherever near his 2021 kind. He’s in a contract 12 months, so he must be motivated.
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Panthers commerce grade: B
This might be an computerized A if it had been a certain factor Johnson could be at his finest. If he exhibits up like a high receiver, he’ll assist Younger’s improvement and turn out to be a harmful asset for coach Dave Canales’ offense.
In a means, Johnson’s frustrations with the Steelers offense had been comprehensible over the previous season. They fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada and bought inconsistent play out of quarterback Kenny Pickett and his backups.
However the Panthers are coming off a league-worst 2-15 file, and there’s nonetheless a component of the unknown in Canales’ first season with Younger. How will Johnson deal with it in the event that they get off to a bumpy begin?
Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth the gamble. They needed to transfer Jackson’s contract and bought a harmful receiver in return, they usually’re investing their time and power into growing Younger, which must be the group’s high purpose.
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Steelers commerce grade: B-
The Steelers crammed a necessity on a protection that’s nearly at all times among the many higher models within the league.
And since the Steelers have an incredible observe file of replenishing receivers via the draft, they deserve the advantage of the doubt that they’ll restock the place subsequent month.
In spite of everything, their beginning quarterback will both be Russell Wilson or Pickett. If it’s Wilson, all events will probably be invested in resurrecting his recreation and perhaps establishing the veteran to complete his profession in Pittsburgh. If it’s Pickett, they’ll need to give the younger quarterback some assist. Put one other means, they received’t simply wing it at receiver this offseason.
(Pictures of Donte Jackson and Diontae Johnson: Jared C. Tilton and Harry How / Getty Pictures)
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