This year’s free agency period—combined with a flurry of offseason trades—has brought significant movement among NFL wide receivers. From longtime franchise cornerstones like Cooper Kupp and Tyler Lockett to established stars such as DK Metcalf and Davante Adams, the wide receiver landscape has seen a dramatic shake-up.
Yet, a few notable names remain unsigned and could still provide a major boost to teams looking to strengthen their receiving corps.
Near the top of that list is Diontae Johnson. A third-round pick in 2019, Johnson has been linked to several teams, but a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers might be the most likely scenario—especially if his recent activity is any indication.
Is Diontae Johnson Returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Last season was a turbulent one for Diontae Johnson. He began the year with the Carolina Panthers, where he quickly became a key contributor, leading the team in receiving yards through the first seven games. But his time in Carolina was cut short, as he was traded midseason to the Baltimore Ravens.
Things didn’t get much smoother from there. A suspension early in his stint with Baltimore hampered his momentum, and the Ravens ultimately waived him less than two months after acquiring him. Johnson was then picked up by the Houston Texans, only to be released again within a month.
In a surprising twist, Baltimore brought him back just ahead of the playoffs. However, his return was brief, as the Ravens’ postseason run ended in the Divisional Round. Now, as the offseason stretches into summer, Johnson remains without a team—but that hasn’t stopped speculation from heating up.
Last week, Johnson was seen participating in an offseason workout alongside current Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Then, over the weekend, he added fuel to the speculation by posting two goat emojis on social media in response to a video honoring Ben Roethlisberger’s storied career.
While a simple gesture, it wasn’t the comment itself that caught fans’ attention—it was the player and the team it was tied to. Suddenly, whispers of a potential reunion in Pittsburgh started gaining traction.
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) April 13, 2025
Joining the team in 2019, Johnson quickly became a valuable part of the lineup, tallying over 880 yards in three consecutive seasons, including a career-high 1,161 yards in 2020.
After his production dipped in the following two years, Pittsburgh decided to trade him to Carolina. But, it looks like the fanbase wants him back. Multiple fans made their case – “Juiceee come back to Pittsburgh! Anyone that disagrees has no ball knowledge.”
Juiceee come back to Pittsburgh! Anyone that disagrees has no ball knowledge
— AD🥷 (@blitzbxrgh) April 13, 2025
Others were fantasizing about a scenario where the trio of Johnson, George Pickens, and the recently signed DK Metcalf ran roughshod over the league.
Come back
— Ben 🖤💛 (@ben_burgh2) April 13, 2025
Calls for “Come back” and “When you signing back twin” were all too common in response to Johnson.
When you signing back twin
— Hima (0-17) (@HimaSprts) April 13, 2025
While 2024 did not go the way fans anticipated for the soon-to-be 29-year-old, he still has a strong fundamental base and ties to the Steelers.
Perhaps a reunion, especially after a workout with Pickens, might not be outside the realm of possibility.