What a difference a week makes! Heading into Week 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers WR room seemed to have found its groove: the alpha in George Pickens, the deep threat in Calvin Austin III, and the big-bodied Mike Williams. However, following a last-minute hamstring injury to Pickens, which may jeopardize his availability over the next few weeks, the Steelers may regret trading away former All-Pro WR Diontae Johnson this past offseason.
Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers nine months ago in March 2024 for CB Donte Jackson, and was then traded to the Baltimore Ravens on October 29. There appears to be an issue with Johnson’s usage in the Ravens’ offensive scheme, leading to him refusing to play during Baltimore’s Week 13 contest against the Eagles, resulting in a one-game suspension.
While fans may be quick to disparage Johnson’s value for drama-related reasons, Pickens may have ultimately been more dramatic and disruptive this season.
Nevertheless, the only exception is the fantastic acquisition of Jackson, with WR depth still an issue and Johnson unhappy in Baltimore; both sides likely would have benefitted if the trade had never taken place.
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