Real reasoning behind Diontae Johnson trade revealed
The reasoning behind the trade becomes more clear!
As part of their notable offseason moves, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a draft pick.
However, there is now more to the story behind why he was dealt. According to Ray Fittipaldo of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the team grew tired of his attitude; he was also regarded as a problem in the locker room.
“That’s why they traded Diontae Johnson. He was an older guy, but he was still making a lot of youthful mistakes and not always acting his age or what was best for that receiver room,” Fittipaldo reported, while also noting that Johnson's behavior was a “big issue” with his teammates.
Johnson, who is entering the final year of his contract, amassed a total of 51 catches for 717 yards and five touchdowns. However, he missed multiple games last season due to injury.
Johnson also drew considerable criticism during a game earlier last season when he gave almost no effort following a fumble by teammate Jaylen Warren against the Cincinnati Bengals, an action that he apologized for to his teammates later in the locker room.
However, Johnson maintains that he feels he's not getting the respect he deserves, and intends to prove any doubters wrong in what will be his first year with the Panthers.
“I’m a diamond in the rough and I’m just going to continue to keep elevating. I carry that chip wherever I go ’cause I still get overlooked. I feel like I don’t get the respect I deserve sometimes, so that just makes me go harder. I’m going to keep putting it on film and proving to the league that I’m one of the best separators out there,” he said at Panthers minicamp.
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