Report: Steelers trading Diontae Johnson to Panthers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The deal also includes a pick swap which will see the Steelers receive a sixth-round pick (No. 178) while the Panthers get a seventh-round selection (No. 240), Pelissero adds.
There were rumors coming into free agency that the Steelers were listening to offers for Johnson. The trade also happens before Johnson's $3-million roster bonus activates Friday, per Spotrac.
The 27-year-old was heading into the final season of a two-year, $36.1-million extension signed in 2022.
Johnson finished second on the Steelers in receiving yards last season (717), behind only George Pickens. He posted at least 80 receptions and 800 receiving yards from 2020-2022, including a career-high 107 catches for 1,161 yards in 2021.
Meanwhile, Jackson gives the Steelers a cornerback opposite of Joey Porter Jr. Jackson was a second-round pick in 2018 and has recorded 14 interceptions across 76 games over six seasons. After tearing his Achilles during the 2022 campaign, he suited up for 16 games in 2023 but finished with no interceptions.
Jackson is under contract through the 2024 campaign and will be due a base salary of $4.7 million. He also has a roster bonus of $4 million due Friday, per Spotrac.
The Steelers have been active in free agency, bringing in Jackson, Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen, and Cameron Johnston.