The Steelers have a free agent to replace Diontae Johnson.
Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Steelers could try to sell high on a receiver with a big cap hit and acquire a free agent to replace Diontae Johnson, who had a breakout season in 2023.
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic thinks the Steelers might locate Gabe Davis, a former Buffalo Bill, to be the replacement for Johnson if they decide to part ways with the player, who is in the latter year of a two-year $36,710,000 contract.
“The Steelers need to show interest in a receiver this offseason because Diontae Johnson’s future is uncertain past 2024. In his fourth year, Davis did not improve as much as anticipated. Although he only tallied 45 catches, seven of those were touchdowns, his stats remained unchanged. In each of his four NFL seasons, he has at least six touchdowns.”
If Johnson is released, the Steelers would save $10 million against the cap but would still be responsible for $5,833,334 in dead cap money. Considering that Johnson is still a productive player approaching his prime, a trade seems like the most likely course of action.
Despite a slight decline in output in 2023, Davis remains a dangerous big-play threat who has averaged 6.75 touchdown receptions per season throughout his four years in the NFL. Last season, Davis hauled in seven touchdown grabs, compared to the Steelers’ collective 13 receptions.
This month marks the expiration of Davis’ rookie deal, and according to Spotrac.com, the former fourth-round pick is valued at around $54.5 million over the course of four years, or an average of $13.6 million.
According to Kaboly, he’s a “logical fit” who fills a need for the Steelers without going over budget. Linebacker Patrick Queen, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, and center Connor Williams were among the “luxury fits” that Kaboly identified as ideal additions for the Steelers from the free agent pool, but they would come at a hefty price.
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