Carolina Panthers acquired Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson, providing quarterback Bryce Young with a top wide receiver.
As part of the deal, the teams will exchange later-round picks in this year’s draft, with the Steelers getting Carolina’s No. 178 pick and the Panthers receiving Pittsburgh’s No. 240 selection.
In his five seasons with the Steelers, 28-year-old Johnson recorded 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. He is in the final season of a two-year extension and is set to earn $10 million this season, with a $3 million roster bonus due soon.
The Panthers are willing to pay the roster bonus in order to provide Young with a skilled route runner, addressing their low passing yards last season, where Adam Thielen was often the sole receiving threat.
Adding Johnson will change the receiving situation for the Panthers, despite his slightly decreased numbers last season due to injury and the emergence of George Pickens as a preferred downfield target.
With Johnson traded, Pickens becomes the most experienced wide receiver for the Steelers, as they recently released Allen Robinson II. They are likely to seek another top target in free agency or the draft, having reached an agreement with quarterback Russell Wilson.
Notable wide receivers still available in free agency as of Tuesday night include Cincinnati’s Tyler Boyd, who previously played for the University of Pittsburgh before joining the Bengals.
After parting ways with veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Keanu Neal, the Steelers were in need of secondary support. They acquired 28-year-old Donte Jackson, who has started 76 games for the Panthers since being drafted in 2018.
Jackson, who has 14 career interceptions, joins the Steelers' experienced corner Joey Porter Jr., who had an impressive rookie season in 2023.
EAGLES MOVES
C. J. Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Philadelphia Eagles after a year with another team, signing a three-year contract worth up to $33 million.
The talented safety announced his return on social media, and it has been reported that he will receive a substantial contract. The deal will become official at the start of the league year.
After playing a significant role in Philadelphia’s defense in 2022, Gardner-Johnson spent last season with Detroit before rejoining the Eagles for the upcoming season.
The Eagles have also agreed to a one-year contract with wide receiver DeVante Parker, according to his agent who spoke to the AP.
Parker will get $4.69 million guaranteed, with the Eagles covering the $1.21 million veteran’s minimum and the New England Patriots taking care of the rest of his salary.
The 31-year-old Parker, who was the 14th overall pick by Miami in the 2015 draft, racked up 33 catches for 394 yards last season.
He’ll be part of an impressive offense that includes new running back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert.
DeVante is very enthusiastic about joining the Eagles and striving to win a Super Bowl, according to agent Jimmy Gould.
Parker has 402 receptions, 5,660 yards receiving, and 27 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Dolphins and two with the Patriots.
