The 2024 offseason is here and with that comes releases, signings, and trades from all teams across the league. With that in mind, the Steelers have made some really interesting moves so far this offseason. So, in these articles we are going to look at these cuts and determine whether they were deserved or not. *DATES ARE PER STEELERS.COM*
DONTE JACKSON/ DIONTAE JOHNSON- TRADE (MARCH 13)
The Steelers made a trade as well this offseason. The Steelers traded the veteran receiver, Diontae Johnson, to the Panthers in return for cornerback, Donte Jackson. Diontae was drafted in 2019 out of Toledo in the third round. Johnson had 4,363 receiving yards, 25 receiving touchdowns, a one pro bowl nod to end his career in Pittsburgh. Diontae was a great receiver for the Steelers ever since he touched the field. His rookie year, Johnson was a great returner. And throughout the years, Diontae became a more developed and proven receiver 1. Diontae struggled with drops throughout his career. Nonetheless, Johnson’s route running, and release was top tier. It is incredibly sad to see someone who has been with us through the lows and highs to go, but it also gives a feeling of a new era within the Steelers. And as for Donte Jackson, the man is a veteran cornerback who has a lot of experience in starting. Jackson has started in all but 4 of the 80 games he has played in his career. Jackson is a solid corner two for the Steelers that is an upgrade from Levi Wallace. Jackson has 14 interceptions and 46 pass deflections in his six years in Carolina. Donte will not be a pro-bowl level cornerback for us but will definitely help out our secondary.
JUSTIN FIELDS- TRADE (MARCH 16)
Now the biggest trade maybe of all the 2024 offseason, Justin Fields to the Steelers. Fields was selected eleventh overall out of Ohio State to the Chicago Bears. In his rookie year, Fields traded starts with veteran Andy Dalton under one of the worst offensive coordinators ever. Fields has never had the best supporting cast around him ever since going to the Bears. Justin was in the top 10 in all pressure stats in 2024 while missing 4 games. The Steelers sent a conditional sixth round pick that could turn into a fourth depending on the playing times he receives. Former 49er, Trey Lance, was traded to the Cowboys for a fourth-round pick and former starting quarterback for the Patriots, Mac Jones, was traded for a sixth-round pick. Fields has shown abundant talent and production than those quarterbacks who were picked in the same drafts him, so it is amazing that the Steelers are getting him for a such a low price. Russell Wilson is the quarterback one for the Steelers heading into training camp and most likely for the season as the Steelers would like Fields to develop and learn under Wilson’s leadership. There are multiple similarities between Wilson and Fields. Russ is arguably the best escape artist to play the sport. Fields’ best ability is his legs and why not learn from one of the best.
KENNY PICKETT- TRADE (MARCH 16)
The Pittsburgh community was absolutely shocked when the Pickett trade was announced. The former Pitt quarterback, Kenny Pickett, was being traded to the Eagles in a pick swap. One second, Pickett looked like the next franchise guy. And the next, he is playing for a new team. Now, the reason for the trade has never been confirmed, but the most plausible reason was due to Pickett’s behavior of the Russell Wilson signing. The former first-round pick started 12 games for the Steelers in 2023 and played below average. However, Pickett’s play could have been to the awful play calling of Matt Canada. Despite being in a poor situation, many Steelers fans gave up hope for Kenny’s future with the team. The Steelers would sign veteran quarterback, Russell Wilson, in the following offseason. This was to give Pickett competition as well as someone who he could learn from. Many believed that this was the ticket for Pickett to succeed with the Steelers. But as we would learn, this signing would not be in Pickett’s favor. He was reported to be upset that the Steelers were signing a quarterback to compete for the starting job as he thought that he had done enough to keep it heading into 2024. The Steelers took this however that Pickett was ungrateful about the team’s efforts for his improvement. Which was the main reason for this trade. Due to this trade, Kenny Pickett will now back-up Jalen Hurts in Philly. And as for the Steelers, they have one of the best quarterback’s duos in the league with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.