Should the Steelers consider bringing back wide receiver Diontae Johnson? After trading him earlier, the Steelers have been seeking help at wide receiver, and with Johnson now available on the waiver wire, they have an opportunity to re-sign him. While he is not a free agent and another team could claim him, it is worth considering if the Steelers might want to add him back to their roster, especially given their uncertainty with George Pickens’ status for the game against the Chiefs.
However, the situation is complicated. Diontae Johnson was never a fit in Arthur Smith’s offense, which raises questions about how he would mesh with the current system. On the other hand, the Steelers don’t have much to lose by claiming him since they wouldn’t need to give up anything. If things don’t work out, they can release him without much consequence. Although he could potentially disrupt team dynamics, it seems unlikely that Johnson would become a significant distraction, as he is not a high-profile player anymore.
There is a reason the Steelers traded Johnson in the first place, though not due to his performance on the field. If they believe he has matured since then, they might consider bringing him back, especially if they are concerned about Pickens’ health. Johnson still has the ability to contribute, but his return would be under different circumstances, especially considering he’s unfamiliar with Russell Wilson and the current offense.
Moreover, Johnson has worn out his welcome with two teams already, and historically, when the Steelers move on from a wide receiver, it doesn’t tend to work out well for them. While he could still make an impact, he would be joining a new environment, as the team’s receiver room has evolved since his departure. Despite his familiarity with Mike Tomlin and some teammates, coming back to the Steelers would be like joining a new team altogether.
At this point, with the Christmas Day game looming, it’s a bit late to bring him back, but the idea of giving him another chance could be worth considering, especially if the Steelers feel uncertain about their options at wide receiver. With the season already in progress, the Steelers’ moves in the coming weeks could be crucial as they try to make the most of their roster.
