Orlando, Florida — It’s possible that Kenny Pickett’s desire for a “change of scenery” prompted the Pittsburgh Steelers to move him.
With regard to wide receiver Diontae Johnson—the other notable player the Steelers moved this offseason—coach Mike Tomlin, however, had a different opinion.
In exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson, the Steelers sent Johnson, their most seasoned pass catcher, to the Carolina Panthers. Johnson was about to enter his last year of employment.
When asked if he believed Johnson was dissatisfied with the company, Tomlin said, “I did not.”
At the start of the NFL annual meeting, Tomlin stated, “We got an opportunity to get D-Jack, a guy we valued several times since he’s been in the league.” We took the action because we needed some support and depth at that position. We needed D-Jack, and they needed Diontae. It was a wise decision.
Jackson steps in at cornerback to cover for Patrick Peterson, who was released, and to avoid keeping free agent Levi Wallace. Joey Porter Jr., a second-year corner, will be teamed alongside him.
The Steelers, on the other hand, were lacking at wide receiver after the trade. The only players from 2023 who are back are George Pickens and Calvin Austin, who are both starting their third NFL season. Although Van Jefferson signed a free agency agreement, his 2022 was his greatest season with 50 receptions for 802 yards.
Tomlin remarked, “There are a lot of options there.” “There are still plenty of competent men available. There is and has been an exceptionally deep draft.
On the first or second day of the draft, the Steelers are anticipated to select a wide receiver.
Tomlin gushed about the Steelers enticing inside linebacker Patrick Queen away from division rival Baltimore with a three-year, $41 million contract.
The Steelers are attempting to establish Queen as the new starter after Ryan Shazier suffered a spinal cord injury in 2017.
He is a versatile linebacker. That’s thrilling,” Tomlin remarked. He is a multi-talented player who excels at three-down play. He’s 24 and a half years old, and he can blitz, cover, and tackle. He’s young enough and experienced enough. We are eager to have him on board because of this. The excitement is so great because of the familiarity.
