Steelers Replace Diontae Johnson in Latest Mock Draft
PITTSBURGH -- Could the Pittsburgh Steelers move on from Diontae Johnson after the season? One NFL Draft expert believes it's possible, and has them selecting a star wide receiver in this year's draft to replace him.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler believes the Steelers will select LSU star Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Why? To add to their receiver core, while having an option to replace Johnson.
"The way things are going with Diontae Johnson, his time in Pittsburgh might be limited. The Steelers have as good a track record drafting receivers outside the first round as anyone, but it would be tough to pass on Thomas, who has outstanding size (6-4, 205), speed and tracking skills," Brugler writes.
Johnson's contract does allow the Steelers to take much less of a dead cap hit in 2024 if they do choose to move on. Instead of his $19.6 million hit this season, the team's dead money drops to $5.8 in 2024.
The star wideout has made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, being involved in an altercation with teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick after the Steelers' loss to the Browns, and then getting caught ignoring a fumble in the team's next game against the Bengals.
Pittsburgh has George Pickens climbing the ranks as a star wideout in the league, and Calvin Austin is still trying to develop himself into a reliable part of the offense.
But if the Steelers are ready to move on after the season, Brugler believes they will find a replacement.
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