Steelers' Latest Free Agent Signing Could Absolutely Mirror The Diontae Johnson Scenario

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an eventful offseason leading up to this point. This time has involved a series of significant moves that have shaped the direction of the team heading into the upcoming season. Among these changes are the departures of several familiar and long-standing players who had become staples of the organization, signaling a shift in both strategy and personnel. In addition to these exits, the Steelers have welcomed a number of key new additions through trades and free agency, bringing fresh talent and energy to the roster. These acquisitions represent an effort to remain competitive in a challenging AFC North division.

Speaking of the always-competitive AFC North, the Steelers recently signed free agent safety Juan Thornhill. Thornhill, who spent the past two seasons as a starter with the division rival Cleveland Browns, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers worth $3 million, a relatively small contract based on the NFL standards, especially for a player with starting experience. In a recent episode of the Chipped Ham & Football podcast, hosted by Steelers insider Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Batko was joined by Chris Easterling, a reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal who covers the Browns. Easterling’s take on the Thornhill signing was less than encouraging from a Steelers fan’s perspective, raising concerns about what Thornhill might actually bring to Pittsburgh’s defense.

"He may be your Diontae Johnson," Easterling responded.

Diontae Johnson, a wide receiver selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Toledo, had his time in Pittsburgh filled with both standout performances and occasional inconsistency. Early in his career, he quickly established himself as a dependable target, largely due to his sharp route-running and ability to create separation. Throughout his time with the team, Johnson often led the Steelers in receptions and receiving yards, solidifying his role as a key piece of the offense and one of the most reliable options in the passing game.

However, Johnson’s time with the Steelers came with its share of challenges, including occasional drops and stretches of inconsistency that drew criticism from both fans and analysts. Despite these issues, he consistently proved himself to be an important asset in the Steelers’ receiving corps, showcasing the ability to make big plays and contribute in critical moments. His departure from the Steelers marked the end of a time filled with both impressive moments and questions about how much more Johnson could have accomplished.

In March 2024, ahead of the NFL Draft, the Steelers made a trade that sent Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. In exchange, they received cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick at 178th overall, which they used to select defensive end Logan Lee. When the Steelers traded Johnson, he was still playing at a solid level. The Panthers saw him as a potential top offensive target for their newly drafted quarterback, Bryce Young. However, Johnson's time in Carolina didn’t live up to expectations. He managed only 30 catches for 357 yards before being traded again, but this time to the Baltimore Ravens, one of the Steelers' division rivals.

After a disappointing period with the Panthers, Johnson's time with other teams quickly became short lived. His short stay with the Ravens drew significant attention due to reported off-field issues, including an incident where he allegedly refused to enter a game, resulting in a team-imposed suspension and eventual release. Johnson appeared in just four games for the Ravens before being traded to the Houston Texans, where he played in only one game. In a surprising twist, following his release from the Texans, the Ravens chose to re-sign him, a move that left pretty much everyone confused.

The Steelers Are Looking to Avoid a Repeat of This Situation for Several Key Reasons

Despite Johnson’s sharp decline in performance after leaving the Steelers which is a scenario no team hopes for in a new addition, his reported locker room issues are something Pittsburgh is especially keen to avoid repeating. As for Thornhill, it will be interesting to see what kind of impact he can have on the Steelers’ defense. Fans are optimistic that this move could help revitalize his career, particularly since injuries may have held him back in recent seasons.