Pittsburgh Steelers trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson
The Carolina Panthers made a move to bring in a little pass catching help for second-year quarterback Bryce Young in 2024, trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Pittsburgh gets cornerback Donte Jackson in return.
The teams also swapped a pair of picks for the 2024 NFL Draft. Carolina gave up pick No. 178 and Pittsburgh handed over pick No. 240, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Johnson is owed a $3 million roster bonus on Friday, which the Panthers will apparently pay.
Johnson had 51 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He immediately becomes one of the most effective pass catchers on a Panthers roster that was bereft of pass catching depth during Young’s rookie season.
Jackson has 14 career interceptions across six seasons, providing quality starting cornerback play during his tenure in Carolina.
The Panthers made a notable signing earlier on Tuesday
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly signing veteran defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson to a new contract.
Robinson has agreed to a three-year deal with the Panthers, worth $22.5 million, according to Mike Garafolo. Robinson is coming to Carolina after spending last season with the New York Giants. He appeared in 17 games last season for the Giants, finishing with 53 tackles.
Prior to joining the NFL, A’Shawn Robinson starred at Alabama. He was a first-team All-SEC selection and an All-American in 2015, helping Alabama win the national title.
Robinson was then drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.
He spent four seasons in Detroit, before signing with the Los Angeles Rams ahead of the 2020 season. Robinson then spent three seasons in LA, before playing for the Giants last year.
Robinson is set to be reunited with Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Evero was an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams when A’Shawn Robinson played there.
In addition to Robinson, the Panthers could be bringing in more help on the defensive line.
Defensive end Chase Young is planning to visit the Carolina Panthers this week, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Chase Young was taken with the No. 2 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He is entering his fifth NFL season and will do so with a third new team. He’s turning 25 in April and his next move could be home for the foreseeable future.