Diontae Johnson, a Pittsburgh Steelers receiver, appears dissatisfied with recent trade speculations. At the NFL Scouting Combine, the Steelers met with a former Pitt Panther and a standout wide receiver.
A former WPIAL star had a successful night in the NBA. The Robert Morris men’s hockey team has advanced to the second round of the Atlantic Hockey playoffs.
That’s all in Monday’s “First Call.”
What do you say, Diontae?
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson appears to be denying claims that the organization is considering dealing him. We discussed it on the “Madden Monday” podcast lately. Mark Madden and I heard the identical comments from different sources.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda has reported something similar.
“While it’s not fair to say Johnson is on the trading block, several people tell me the Steelers are open to moving the receiver if they receive fair compensation,” Pauline wrote in an email.
That’s consistent with what I heard a few weeks ago. However, general manager Omar Khan put an end to that speculation last week when he hinted that the organization and Johnson may have just discussed a contract.
“As of right now, we’re having conv…” Khan said before interrupting his thought. “I won’t discuss specific discussions for an individual player, but I have a lot of respect for Diontae. Usually, as you all know, extensions happen later.
Perhaps emboldened by Khan’s (partial) statement, Johnson responded to the article on social media.
I do not believe the Steelers should extend Johnson. But I don’t believe they should trade him either. There is already a void at the receiving position. They do not have a proper third person. So don’t get rid of the number two target just to make things worse. I recommend looking for a better second alternative and keeping Johnson as the third option.
If the Steelers trade Johnson this summer, they are just removing one established option from Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, or whatever the Steelers quarterback is.
