The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant decision in the offseason, opting to trade away Diontae Johnson, their talented yet often-scrutinized wide receiver, to the Carolina Panthers. In return, the Steelers acquired defensive back Donte Jackson, along with a sixth-round pick (178th overall) from the Panthers, while sending a seventh-rounder (240th) in return.

The trade’s outcome may not have been the most favorable for the Steelers. On one hand, they relinquished a star wide receiver, albeit one with some controversy, and received in return a solid but not standout defensive back. Speculation surrounds the motives behind Johnson’s departure, with some suggesting it was prompted by the organization’s frustration with his behavior, while others indicate Johnson himself sought a change of scenery.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the trade during a discussion in Orlando, asserting that it was a simple matter of meeting both teams’ needs: the Panthers required Johnson, while the Steelers sought Jackson. Tomlin maintained that Johnson never expressed a desire to depart from Pittsburgh. However, skepticism persists regarding the transparency of Tomlin’s explanation.

During a segment on 93.7 The Fan featuring Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shared his belief that Tomlin’s account of the trade may not fully represent the true motivations behind the decision to part ways with Johnson.

“I wasn’t necessarily buying what Mike Tomlin said down in Orlando at owners’ meetings about it was a player-for-player trade. They liked Jackson, Diontae Johnson was not in the doghouse or whatever, that there wasn’t anything going on internally that made them want to move on from him.”

Tomlin emphasized that the Steelers had long coveted Jackson, suggesting his acquisition was a priority for the team. His remarks implied a sense of urgency in securing Jackson’s services. However, swapping out their top wide receiver for an above-average defensive back with something to prove may not align with the ideal scenario for the Steelers. Batko posits that if Tomlin’s account is indeed accurate and transparent, then Jackson’s value must surpass widespread perceptions.

“I don’t think I believe that, and if that’s the case, then, okay, they really are bigger believers in Donte Jackson than those of us in the media and fan realm.”

Jackson brings some solid experience to the Steelers, having spent six seasons with the Panthers before his recent trade to Pittsburgh. Throughout his tenure, Jackson has showcased his abilities in 76 starts out of 80 games played. His stat sheet boasts 14 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, along with an impressive total of 303 career combined tackles. Additionally, Jackson has demonstrated his prowess in coverage with 46 passes defensed over his career.

While Jackson’s numbers may not immediately leap off the page, his value extends beyond mere statistics. His exceptional speed and versatility make him a formidable asset on the field. The Steelers’ longstanding interest in Jackson underscores their recognition of his talent and potential impact on their defensive unit.

Steelers Need To Fill The Void Left By Diontae Johnson
Whether Tomlin’s statements reflect his genuine beliefs or not remains uncertain. However, what is clear is that the Steelers’ wide receiver corps took a hit with the departure of Johnson. His knack for precise route-running and consistent ability to find openings on the field will be sorely missed. Now, the Steelers find themselves in need of a reliable wide receiver to complement George Pickens.

Initial speculations hinted at the possibility of the Steelers making a significant splash in the wide receiver market, but such talks have dwindled in recent times. It appears increasingly likely that the Steelers will turn their focus towards the upcoming draft to address their wide receiver needs. The expectation is that they will target a receiver in the early rounds, with the hope that their draftee can make an immediate impact as a rookie.

Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s moves during the 2024 draft, hopeful that Pittsburgh will add a dynamic talent to enhance their offense.