Steelers' Front Office Likely Regretting Interesting Move Early In 2024 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not have Brandon Aiyuk on the roster in 2024. The wideout is signing a four-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers and the saga has finally come to an end after dragging out for the majority of the summer. General Manager Omar Khan couldn't end up getting a trade negotiated that would have satisfied all parties involved. The question facing Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his offensive staff now becomes the receiving game. George Pickens is the only wide receiver on the depth chart that the team knows can be counted on, which is a scary reality to face.

There are respectable names around Pickens, but Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson aren't solidified number two options. This warrants some criticism, and specifically in the direction of Khan and the front office. While the Steelers' general manager has been phenomenal since being promoted in 2022, a decision that was made back in March deserves to be highlighted and discussed.

Diontae Johnson had his locker room distractions and on-field drop issues, but he was the team's best route-runner and would have been under contract through 2024. Instead, Pittsburgh traded him to the Carolina Panthers to help with cornerback depth, as Donte Jackson came to town in return. Johnson, a third-round pick by the Steelers in 2019, never had a season with less than 680 yards receiving.

He wasn't the most inconsistent in some areas, but it's hard to argue that the organization would be in a worse spot if he was currently on the roster. It can be looked at as one of the bigger errors in the Khan era, especially if no one is added to the receivers' room before Week 1. Time is running out with the regular season kicking off in less than two weeks.

There will be plenty of speculation about what Khan could decide to do, but this never would have been an issue in the first place if he held onto Johnson. It's possible that Johnson and a draft pick could have been dealt to San Francisco for Aiyuk, even. There are massive questions facing the Steelers' offense and now receiver becomes the most intriguing. The offensive line is currently in limbo, but has the talent to mesh into a solid group.

Regret could finally be setting in for the front office. Johnson was a reliable player, and he remained healthy for the majority of his time in the Steel City. The reality is that Pittsburgh is one unfortunate injury to Pickens away from having no chance of competing in the AFC North. Defense can only get you so far, and the fact that there aren't two legitimate wideouts to rely on could make the waters murky.

There is still time for something to happen for the Steelers. John Metchie III is a name that comes to mind, but he is no Aiyuk. A hole was dug when Johnson was traded, and Khan is now stuck trying to get out of it.

Steelers Likely Have Plans To Have Tight End Be Second Option In Passing Game

Pat Freiermuth has flown under the radar throughout the 2024 offseason. He is still awaiting a contract extension, but participated throughout training camp and seems to be healthy. New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith loves to use tight ends, and fans may even see Freiermuth line up at receiver in certain packages. Overall, the team better have a plan, or the Johnson trade will continue to look worse and worse.

Do you think the Steelers made a mistake by trading Johnson? Let us know in the comments below!

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