The Atlanta Falcons still have some ground to make up in the NFC South, but their attack is youthful and explosive enough to make the playoffs in 2024. However, when it comes to improving the wide receiver corps opposite Drake London, the ideal trade candidate could emerge this offseason.
Diontae Johnson, a wide receiver with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has emerged as a potential trade target for the Falcons.
“Atlanta hired Ike Hilliard as WR coach this offseason and he was Johnson’s position coach early in his career,” Logan Ulrich writes in his article. “With Smith gone, the Falcons need more help to round out their receiving corps alongside WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts”
Johnson has had an up-and-down career with the Steelers, but he is coming off a 51-reception, 717-yard, five-touchdown 2023 season. However, as George Pickens’ target share continues to dwindle and the Steelers appear entrenched in mediocrity at quarterback, the time may be right for Pittsburgh to make a move.
What Diontae Johnson Would Mean for the Atlanta Falcons
In addition to adding a second receiver opposite London, the Falcons have the ability to dominate the quarterback market this offseason.
Whether it’s dealing for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, signing Kirk Cousins, or luring Baker Mayfield away from division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a free-agency coup, the Atlanta Falcons will have a new quarterback in 2024.
As According to Pro Football Focus, Steelers quarterbacks had a 100.8 passing rating when targeting Johnson in 2023, and the 27-year-old playmaker averaged 5.2 yards after catch per reception. Johnson’s field-stretching abilities and yards after the catch productivity put a strain on opponent secondary defenses, making him a serious danger among the Falcons’ crowded roster of skill-position threats.
