The Pittsburgh Steelers made a heavily criticised decision this summer, trading veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson — the team’s leading receiver from 2020 to 2022 — for Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson and a late pick swap.
Fans were left wondering what general manager Omar Khan was thinking when he sent out a vital member of the receiving corps without a backup plan, even though Jackson had many unique qualities and HC Mike Tomlin had been interested in bringing his skills to Pittsburgh for years. After averaging just over nine targets per game over the previous four seasons, Johnson, a former third-round pick (one of the two picks obtained in the trade of Antonio Brown to Las Vegas), was coming off his fifth season with the black and gold.
Even though the decision was criticised at first, it was quickly apparent that he didn’t fit in in Carolina. He had been paired with a quarterback in development in a contract year, Bryce Young, who had been benched following a terrible start to his second season before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens, a Super Bowl contender. However, it seems that wasn’t the best fit either.
Johnson has failed to reach 17 offensive snaps in any game this season and has only caught five targets in his four games with the Baltimore Ravens, including one for six receiving yards. Following reports that he will not play in their Week 14 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens suspended him for one game for actions that were detrimental to the team. The team now said that they had “mutually agreed” that Johnson would be excused from team activities before to their game against the Steelers in Week 16. What gives, then?
It is undoubtedly a peculiar circumstance. Despite the fact that this is a winning roster, it is obvious that there is a problem with Johnson’s perceived relationship with the club or function within the offence. He is, after all, playing for his future; even if he does win a Super Bowl ring with Baltimore this season, what will it matter when he looks for his next contract in 2025 and beyond if he didn’t contribute significantly to its acquisition?