Insider reveals why Steelers traded Diontae Johnson for low price

On Tuesday, the Steelers traded highly-criticized wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Panthers, but there were mixed reactions to the news. 

Some were happy Pittsburgh parted ways with Johnson, who was sometimes questioned for his lack of effort, while others felt the team should have kept him if his price tag was so low.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Steelers traded Johnson and their 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 240) to Carolina in exchange for CB Donte Jackson and its 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 178).

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly revealed why Pittsburgh was willing to make the deal, creating another glaring hole on its roster.

"100 percent Diontae Johnson wanted this trade like I said 2 weeks ago," Kaboly posted on platform X.

There have been some rumblings that Johnson wanted the trade to happen, but no reports have confirmed those beliefs. Kaboly seems to think there is some truth to it.

The trade does fill a need for the Steelers. They needed to find another corner to play opposite Joey Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Jackson could be exactly what Pittsburgh has been looking for with 14 interceptions and 46 passes defensed in his six-year NFL career.

For Steelers fans looking to feel better about the trade, Kaboly also believes the team could get even more salary cap relief from the Panthers and expects an addition to the room sooner rather than later.

"2 things — I bet [GM Omar] Khan makes the Panthers pay some of Jackson's salary and there will be a corresponding move upcoming in terms of receiver," Kaboly posted.

Pittsburgh still has several options at wide receiver on the open market and the 2024 NFL Draft at the end of April. The team will likely use both outlets to add to its room.