Steelers' Diontae Johnson Addresses Trade Rumors With Transparency On Social Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already begun making moves during the 2024 offseason. They've released Mason Cole, Pressley Harvin, Chukwuma Okorafor, and Mitch Trubisky, while also reportedly being involved with the Chicago Bears on a potential trade for Justin Fields. Now, reports have surfaced that General Manager Omar Khan might be looking to move on from veteran wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. 

Johnson is entering the final year of his contract, and carries a big cap hit of nearly $16 million for the 2024 season. The Steelers could relieve themselves of his big contract, while also gaining some draft capital for the 2024 NFL Draft that is full of talent at positions of need for Pittsburgh. Johnson isn't afraid to let his personality show, and he often takes to social media to let fans know how he is feeling about being in the headlines. This is exactly what he did as soon as reports surfaced Sunday night that he could be on the trading block. 

At first, Johnson didn't seem to believe these trade rumors. He chalked it up to reporters just spreading rumors. It's not the first time Johnson's name has been thrown around in rumors and been talked down on. He was a distraction multiple times for the Steelers during the 2023 season. He showed a pattern of getting into fights with teammates, receiving personal foul penalties, and at times, lazy effort on the field. Johnson continued to tweet following the rumors being reported. 

"Let that old s*** stay in the past..."

Johnson could be referring to many things with this tweet. It could be his antics during the 2023 season, it could be the reports of him planning to "hold-in" during training camp again until he gets a new contract, or the reports of him and the Steelers organization having friction between the two parties. 

Steelers Would Need To Fill Big Shoes If Johnson Is Traded

Johnson has been a consistently good receiver for the Steelers. He had issues with drops early in his career, but has since been extremely effective in Pittsburgh. The Steelers could likely get a decent haul of draft picks for Johnson, with the added incentive of having an extra $16 million in cap space. 

Johnson again took to X.

"It is what it is..."

Johnson has been effective in Pittsburgh, but after all the dramatics of the 2023 season, it may be time for him and the organization part ways. The Steelers would be tasked with having to fill a large hole, as Johnson is the best and most consistent route runner on the roster, however. George Pickens would be the only proven receiver on the Steelers, assuming the organization eventually releases Allen Robinson II, who struggled in 2023.

What do you think of Johnson's response to the trade rumors? Let us know in the comments below!

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