0
0
Steelers Trade Diontae Johnson to Panthers for Donte Jackson
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move by trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a pick swap. This deal, according to league sources as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, involves the Steelers giving up a seventh-round draft pick along with Johnson and receiving a sixth-round pick in return, in addition to acquiring Jackson.
Johnson, who was a third-round draft pick for the Steelers in 2019, has been a key player on the team and the longest-tenured offensive player. With the final year of his contract approaching, Johnson carries a $10 million cap hit for the Panthers, resulting in $5.8 million of dead cap space for Pittsburgh. Despite the trade not being officially confirmed, Johnson expressed his gratitude towards his time in Pittsburgh on social media, thanking his teammates, coaches, staff, and fans for their support.
On the other hand, Donte Jackson, a second-round pick by the Panthers in 2018, has spent his entire career in Carolina. Coming off a season where he started 16 games after recovering from an Achilles injury, Jackson is also entering the final year of his contract. His $10.6 million cap hit for the Steelers and $9.7 million dead cap for the Panthers signal a significant financial impact for both teams.
The Panthers had been looking to move on from Jackson, and this trade provides them with an opportunity to address their cornerback position while allowing the Steelers to bolster their receiving corps. Johnson’s arrival in Carolina offers quarterback Bryce Young a proven playmaker to complement their existing receiving options like Adam Thielen and rookie Jonathan Mingo. With Johnson’s deep-threat capabilities, the Panthers aim to improve upon their disappointing 2-15 record from the previous season.
Implications and Future Prospects
Johnson’s departure creates a void at wide receiver for the Steelers, although promising talents like George Pickens and Calvin Austin III present opportunities for growth and development. Meanwhile, adding Jackson to the Steelers’ secondary addresses the need for a cornerback following the release of Patrick Peterson. Together with young talent like Joey Porter Jr., Jackson brings experience and depth to the defensive backfield.
This trade signifies a strategic move for both teams, aiming to strengthen their respective positions and improve overall performance on the field. As the NFL offseason progresses, the impact of this deal will become clearer, shaping the outlook for the Steelers and Panthers in the upcoming season.
Image/Photo credit: source url
