Diontae Johnson

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Steelers have agreed to trade WR Diontae Johnson to the Panthers in exchange for CB Donte Jackson and a late-round pick swap.

Johnson had been vocal about his unhappiness in the Steelers offense, and now he reportedly heads to the Panthers to catch passes from Bryce Young. He is due a $3 million roster bonus on Friday that the Panthers will now pay, in addition to taking on his contract, which will expire at the end of the 2024 season. Johnson posted 51 receptions for 717 yards in 2023, operating as one of the best receivers in terms of separation in the league. His production dipped to a career-low 10.3 YPR in 2022 with zero touchdowns after a 100-catch, 1000-yard season in 2021. He continued to face competition from George Pickens while seeing lackluster quarterback play in 2023. Johnson will be the top receiving option in Carolina, though his fantasy viability will still be capped to WR2 status while Young and the new Panthers staff develop the offense. The Steelers also send a seventh-round pick to the Panthers and receive CB Dontae Jackson and a sixth-round pick in return.