Ex-Steelers Playmaker Suggested As Trade Candidate Before Deadline

One old friend of the Pittsburgh Steelers could be available on the trade market ahead of the 2024 National Football League trade deadline.

There will be plenty of players in rumors over the next few weeks, and there could even be a flurry of moves made before the Nov. 5 deadline. It’s too early to know who actually will get traded, but speculation is starting to pick up. USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz put together a list of the most likely trade candidates ahead of the deadline and mentioned former Steelers star Diontae Johnson.

“The widespread problems with the Panthers’ aerial attack – which prompted the benching of Bryce Young and installation of Andy Dalton as the starter after just two weeks – can’t be pinned on Johnson, who has 24 catches for 306 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the four games since the quarterback switch was made,” Middlehurst-Schwartz said. “Carolina therefore might resist any inquiries into acquiring the figure who, outside of Dalton, has played the biggest role in helping the offense establish a baseline of competence.

“Coach Dave Canales also seemed to throw cold water on rumors in early October, saying ‘I don’t see that happening’ when asked about a potential trade. But Johnson, 27, could be of great interest to a playoff-caliber team as a half-season rental. If the Panthers aren’t confident that he’ll be a franchise fixture beyond this year, they should try to boost their draft capital by moving him to the highest bidder.”

Johnson spent the first five seasons of his career with the Steelers after being selected in the third round of the 2019 National Football League Draft. He earned his lone Pro Bowl nod with Pittsburgh in 2021 and has looked like a star for Carolina once Dalton took over as the starting quarterback.

He will be an interesting player to watch over the next few weeks.

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