Steelers Could Get High Return for Diontae Johnson
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers could be looking to trade Diontae Johnson this offseason, and if they do, it'll likely happen before or during the NFL Draft.
According to reports, the team is open to making a move for their veteran wide receiver. That may be the case because Johnson wants out of Pittsburgh ahead of the final year of his contract. So, the question becomes, what could the Steelers get in return?
While rumors have spread that a third-round pick may be the best price for the 27-year-old wideout, it feels a bit low. Johnson hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since signing his extension, but he also hasn't had a reliable quarterback.
Kenny Pickett continues to progress but also holds a very low bar when it comes to productivity. Mason Rudolph stepped in for four games and looked good, but it was only four games. Then, there was Mitch Trubisky.
Teams willing to trade for Johnson probably see more upside than those who have watched him in Pittsburgh. They see possibly the best route runner in football, and a player who has overcome some drop issues to have pretty reliable hands.
They likely see how bad the quarterback play has been and that the team just moved on from an offensive coordinator that was considered the worst in the NFL for nearly three seasons.
Realistically, the Steelers could get more than a third-round pick. If we're being honest, they could probably get a second-rounder and feel pretty good about it. If they really stretched it, maybe they could work with the Kansas City Chiefs for their first.
Whoever lands Johnson gets to negotiate a long-term deal with him before he plays this season. That means they can get a contract for what he's worth the last two years instead of what he'd be worth in a capable offense with quality quarterback play.
That price tag is almost nothing compared to what it could be.
General managers are probably thinking the same thing.
If Pittsburgh is open to making a move, they could get a decent return. From there, it just comes down to whether or not they have a replacement option on their mind, and how confident they feel they can land that replacement.
One step forward for two steps back is not worth it when the Steelers are hunting for some playoff wins. But if it all works out, don't expect the return to be low for Johnson.
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