Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has found himself in a highly questionable situation this season, one that has left fans and analysts scratching their heads. After the Steelers made the controversial decision to trade Johnson in the offseason—sending him to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a late-round pick swap—the move raised eyebrows. Johnson had been the Steelers’ top receiver from 2020 to 2022, averaging over nine targets per game during that time, so moving on from him seemed to many like a risky decision.
However, Johnson’s time in Carolina quickly turned sour. Despite his talent, his fit with the Panthers seemed off, as he struggled to build chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. This led to his trade to the Baltimore Ravens, but his time there hasn’t been much better. Over four games with the Ravens, Johnson recorded just five targets and one catch for six yards. His lack of involvement was compounded by his refusal to enter a Week 14 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which led to a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
As of Week 16, reports surfaced that the Ravens and Johnson had mutually agreed to excuse him from team activities, adding more fuel to the fire of speculation about his future with the team. This raises the question: what is going wrong for Johnson? It seems that his role and relationship within the Ravens offense are strained, especially as the team continues to perform well without him playing an integral role.
With the Ravens on a strong path to the playoffs and Johnson seemingly not in the plans, there have been rumors that the team could release him. If that were to happen, Johnson would be subject to waivers, meaning teams like the Steelers could potentially place a claim on him. Pittsburgh, which is dealing with an injury to star receiver George Pickens, could certainly use depth at the wide receiver position. However, the challenge for the Steelers is not just his on-field production—it’s whether they would be willing to bring him back into a locker room culture that may not align with his behavior and history.
For Steelers fans, the idea of bringing Johnson back into the fold is a complicated one. While his talent could be an asset, the risk of disruption and potential locker room issues might outweigh the rewards. The situation continues to evolve, and with the Steelers facing the Ravens in Week 16, it adds an intriguing layer to an already heated rivalry. The question remains: if the Ravens cut Johnson, should the Steelers make a move for him, or would it be better to let him go? Fans will be eagerly watching as the situation unfolds.