Steelers WR with $36 million referred to as Bills’ “Best Potential Addition”
Last week, the Buffalo Bills took a machete to their roster, letting go of six veterans. The Bills general manager, Brandon Beane, has space to maneuver in free agency after freeing up almost $30 million in salary space.
According to Diana Russini of The Athletic, Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Bills, may soon have access to a new weapon. Regarding wide receiver Diontae Johnson, the Pittsburgh Steelers “are open to listening to trade offers,” according to a post by Russini. “As general managers prepare for free agency, teams from all around the league are showing interest.”
Gabe Davis is anticipated to walk, hence the Bills need to find a new wide receiver. “I think this could be one of the best potential additions to the Bills roster this offseason if it happens,” wrote Ajay Cybulski of Batavia Daily.
Johnson’s $36.7 million, two-year deal is about to expire. The price of acquiring Johnson might be comparable to the Cleveland Browns’ acquisition of Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
“The Broncos traded for picks 135 (fifth round) and 202 (6th round), the Browns’ highest in each of the two rounds they have,” according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. “If this is the price for Jeudy, feels like a similar price could be appropriate for Diontae Johnson who, while more productive, is also older,” commented Bruce Nolan of SB Nation.
On March 16, Johnson’s $3 million roster bonus is due. So, before that date, if the Steelers are serious about dealing him, it will happen. Johnson’s $15.8 million cap hit in 2024 is a problem, but the cap would be spread out if it were extended. Brad Cicala of OC Sports, who also represents Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam, is Johnson’s agent.
After a disappointing season in Pittsburgh, Diontae Johnson is returning.
Johnson recorded a career-low 51 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games during the 2023 NFL season. Nevertheless, in his rookie season, the former third-round selection from the 2019 NFL draft was named to the second team All-Pro. He caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2021 NFL season.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda speculated earlier this month that Johnson might be traded by Pittsburgh. “A number of sources inform me that the Steelers are willing to trade for Johnson, provided they are paid fairly, even though it is unfair to suggest he is on the trading block.”
Rumors also circulate that Johnson wishes to leave Pittsburgh. On 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic stated, “I’ve heard some stuff here and there.” “It’s possible that the Steelers are trying to find someone to replace Diontae Johnson, who might not want to be here either.”
With Davis about to leave the team, the Bills require a reliable deep threat downfield. If Johnson is dissatisfied with the Steelers, perhaps Allen’s passes can cheer him up.
Expectedly, the Bills will select a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bills visited with a number of potential wide receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine, just like the Steelers did. Buffalo should give high priority to choosing a receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, even though it’s unknown who the team will select in the first round.
At the Combine, the Bills had a meeting with Keon Coleman of Florida State and made contact with Ladd McConkey of Georgia.
The goal of Bills head coach Sean McDermott’s No. 28 overall selection is to select a player who can start right away. With so many rookies participating and making significant plays across the league, McDermott told reporters, “it’s a young man’s game right now.”
We need the young players we have here to be capable of playing, therefore I believe that this interview process is crucial in helping us achieve that goal. We truly uncover the true nature of these athletes—not only as athletes, but as individuals with deep roots in their families.
But if the Bills get Johnson through trade, they can utilize that first-round pick to address other issues.
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