Just in: Panthers Acquire Diontae Johnson to Bolster Receiving Corps
In a strategic move to enhance their offensive lineup, the Carolina Panthers have acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The trade, executed on March 12, 2024, involved the Panthers sending cornerback Donte Jackson and a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 178 overall) to the Steelers in exchange for Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 240 overall) .
Johnson, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Panthers. During his five-season tenure with the Steelers, he amassed 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. His standout season came in 2021, recording 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns .
The Panthers’ decision to acquire Johnson aligns with their objective to provide quarterback Bryce Young with a reliable and dynamic receiving option. Head coach Dave Canales emphasized Johnson’s role as the primary target in Carolina’s passing game, stating, “As we build our offense, we will really try to feature someone โ and for us right now it’s ‘Whereโs Diontae Johnson at?'” .
Johnson expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, “I liked to hear that. Now itโs up to me to run my routes and get open.” His familiarity with being the go-to receiver is evident from his previous seasons with the Steelers, where he consistently delivered high-performance metrics .
In the early part of the 2024 season with the Panthers, Johnson led the team in receiving through seven games, recording 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns. His most notable performance was in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he secured eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a 36โ22 victory .
The acquisition of Johnson is anticipated to significantly impact the Panthers’ offensive strategy, offering a seasoned and skilled receiver to support Bryce Young’s development. As the Panthers aim to improve upon their previous season’s performance, Johnson’s presence is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving their offensive goals.
With the upcoming season, the Panthers look forward to integrating Johnson into their offensive schemes, leveraging his experience and playmaking abilities to enhance their passing game and overall team performance.