The Steelers might be open to shopping wide receiver Diontae Johnson, whose output dropped significantly in the previous year, because free agency opens next week.
This is as per a story published by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. She revealed on X that other teams are interested in signing Johnson, the former Pro Bowl player. But, the Steelers’ decision to release Allen Robinson on Friday has already made the receivers’ room less congested.
Johnson was chosen by the Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft’s fourth round. In 2021, the last season of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, he was selected to the Pro Bowl. During the season, Johnson caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. Now compare that to the previous season. Despite only appearing in 13 games, he caught a career-low 51 passes. He did manage to average 14.1 yards per grab, a career-high.
In all this, the Steelers are signaling they desire a different vibe from their offense. Coach Mike Tomlin hired Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Falcons, to be the offensive coordinator. And with Smith now calling the offensive shots, the Steelers also are signaling that they are open to switching quarterbacks.
On Friday, Russell Wilson flew to Pittsburgh to meet with Smith and other Steelers coaches. Wilson will be a free agent next week. The Broncos gave him permission to speak to teams ahead of time. Wilson also met with the New York Giants and may be considering the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pittsburgh, at a minimum, seems to be pondering whether to move on from Kenny Pickett, who has started the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, the Steelers could clear some cap space by trading Johnson. He will take up almost $16 million this year, the final season of his current contract.
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