Insider: Steelers actively looking to add another WR to replace Diontae Johnson

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers last month, they filled a need when they got back cornerback Donte Jackson in return.

The problem, however, is they created another void that needs to be filled at WR — one that they’re trying desperately to fill, according to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post.

“For me, there’s a piece of information we don’t have yet, which is do they trade for a wide receiver before the draft,” La Canfora said on the “In The Huddle” podcast. “It would not surprise me if they did that tomorrow, if they did it the Wednesday before the draft. If they did it while they were on the clock, if they did it in the run up to the draft that Thursday, I know that they’re really trying to make something happen there.”

Pittsburgh has signed Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins this offseason, but neither fit the bill of the No. 2 receiver role that Johnson occupied in 2023.

There was mutual interest between the Steelers and former Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd last month when free agency began, but their offer didn’t move the needle in his eyes, according to The Athletic.

It was also reported that the Steelers looked into trading for San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, thought he 49ers seem intent on keeping him. Bengals receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade the day he was franchise-tagged, but it’s highly unlikely the Bengals would trade him to a division rival.

Going receiver with 20th overall pick in the draft is also a possibility. The Steelers have already met with Texas’ Adonai Mitchell, who could be drafted in the 20-30 range.

Of all the free-agent WRs, Boyd makes the most sense as a player who can step right into Johnson’s vacated role opposite George Pickens and make up for the 51 receptions, 717 yards and five touchdowns Johnson put up last season. 

Other receivers who remain unsigned include Odell Beckham Jr., Hunter Renfrow, Michael Thomas and D.J. Chark.