Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is looking for a new home after the Cleveland Browns waived him ahead of the NFL roster deadline Tuesday. But Johnson doesn’t necessarily have to find a new team to get another opportunity in the league.
Johnson could simply return home to where his professional career started. SI on Steelers’ Noah Strackbein argued the Steelers should be intrigued at the possibility.
“Right now, if he’s still got it, he’s the perfect fit for what the team needs on the field,” wrote Strackbein.
“What would be better than getting Aaron Rodgers a wide receiver that is an elite route runner? Someone he knows is always going to be open, and that he can have perfect timing with? Only to combine it with Metcalf being an elite wide receiver and three very fast slot players in Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller?
“Nothing.
“Johnson remains the prototypical wide receiver for exactly what the Steelers need this season. Again, if he’s able to still play at a high level.”
Johnson averaged about 78 catches, 872 receiving yards and five touchdowns per season over five years with the Steelers. He made second-team All-Pro as a returner and then the Pro Bowl as a receiver in 2021.
In Ben Roethlisberger’s final season, Johnson posted 107 catches, 1,161 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
The Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the official start of free agency in March 2024. Over the past 18 months, he’s experienced stints with the Panthers, Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.
Johnson is available because the Browns waived him Tuesday. In 12 games last season, Johnson had 33 catches, 375 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Steelers Still Searching for Diontae Johnson Type WR
Bringing back Johnson could simply be off the table for the Steelers because of all the drama he had while with the team. Johnson caused some type of issue on a near weekly basis during his final season in Pittsburgh.
But he continued to produce. Johnson had 51 catches, 717 receiving yards and five touchdowns during 2023. Last season, though, was a different story. He didn’t produce much with three different teams and kept causing drama.
With the Ravens during Week 13, Johnson refused to enter the game. Baltimore suspended the receiver for not wanting to play.
Johnson explained his side of the incident during a podcast appearance in July but didn’t really come out looking any better.
“End of third [quarter], going into the fourth over there, they’re like, ‘Tae, we need you.’ I’m like, ‘Nah.’ To me, I’m thinking, ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea for me,’ because I was thinking about, like, my legs. I don’t want to go out there and put bad stuff on film,” said Johnson, via Baltimoreravens.com’s Kevin Eck.
Since the incident, NFL teams have waived Johnson three times.
However, there’s little denying that the Steelers could use what Johnson used to provide for the team’s offense. A strong route runner, Johnson was a chain-mover, especially playing opposite George Pickens.
The same could be true if Johnson returns to form playing opposite DK Metcalf.
Why Johnson Probably Isn’t the Answer for Steelers
Putting his controversies aside, it still may not be worth it for the Steelers to pursue a Johnson reunion. That’s because he simply might not be the same receiver he was during his early days in Pittsburgh.
“Based on what we saw in camp, Diontae Johnson never seemed near the right side of the bubble,” The Athletic’s Zac Jackson tweeted Tuesday. “And when can’t make this receiving corps, you might be out of chance.”
Because he’s a former Pro Bowler, it’s likely some team will take a flier on Johnson. The Steelers could be interested in receivers that only cost a flier.
But the history with Johnson might be enough for the Steelers to pause any thoughts on a reunion. His preseason and training camp performance could also confirm the team should pursue a receiver addition elsewhere.
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