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Day 1 of the legal tampering period was pretty boring for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The only reported move was signing punter Cameron Johnston to a three-year deal after news broke on Sunday that Russell Wilson decided he wanted to come play in the Steel City. Day 2 was much more interesting. Pittsburgh made a splash agreeing to a deal with free-agent linebacker, Patrick Queen. General manager Omar Khan wasn't done, however. Tom Pelissero dropped an insider bomb on Tuesday evening when he reported that Pittsburgh had agreed to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
This isn't necessarily a shock because teams were apparently interested in the elite route-runner. The issue now becomes that the Steelers only have two receivers in George Pickens and Calvin Austin III who can be relied on as the new league year is set to begin on Wednesday. That certainly makes this move interesting. Khan could be working behind the scenes to get one of the best free-agent wideouts available.
According to Pro Football Focus, Calvin Ridley from the Jacksonville Jaguars was the fifth-best free agent at his position. The top three, Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr. and Mike Evans were all either extended or slapped with the franchise tag. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown is labeled as the fourth, but the recent rumors have been that there could be a dark horse in the running for Ridley.
Calvin Ridley remains the top free-agent wide receiver on the market. The Jaguars wish to retain him, and the Patriots hope to sign him. Sources say there could be a darkhorse lurking as well. Money will be interesting with a deep draft class at that position coming.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 12, 2024
This has to immediately trigger any Steelers fan to pay attention to what has been going on. Pittsburgh loves the wide receiver position, but with the trade of Johnson and several 2023 rostered players on the open market, what exactly is the plan? If there is a dark horse lurking, the Steelers have to skyrocket to the top of that list. It's even possible talks have been ongoing and Ridley's camp wanted reassurance that he would be involved in a one-two punch with Pickens.
Ridley missed the entire 2022 season after he was suspended for violating the league's gambling policy. He came back strong in 2023 with 76 catches for over 1,000 yards, while hauling in eight touchdowns. The Jaguars don't seem like they are going to have what it takes to keep him around. The New England Patriots are another team to watch, but Pittsburgh could be making a very strong push.
It will be fascinating to see what will happen with the wide receiver position. Both quarterbacks in Wilson and Kenny Pickett have to be a bit confused about what's going on, but it's clear the front office saw it necessary to revamp the group. Regardless of the next move, it's unlikely that it's small in nature given how important the position is to the organization.
Steelers not messing around on Day 2 of legal tampering period
Well, Day 1 was pretty boring. A punter was the highlight on Monday. Things have completely turned on their heads on Tuesday. It's pretty evident that this is Khan's show and he's taking Art Rooney II's comments to heart about lack of playoff success. Moves are going to continue to roll in, and we will have the latest as the deals are being reported.
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