The Steelers and Panthers have agreed to a trade involving contract-year players. The more notable player involved in the trade in March was Diontae Johnson, who has moved to Carolina. Donte Jackson is now in Pittsburgh, joining Johnson as a player in the final year of his contract with a new team.

Carolina has now combined Johnson’s contract from Pittsburgh with Bryce Young’s rookie deal. Johnson and Adam Thielen are now part of a group of wide receivers, including rookie-contract players Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legette. With Johnson signing a two-year, $36.75 million deal before the 2022 season, he may be considering a long-term future in Charlotte without waiting to see how this season unfolds.

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“Just gotta stay relaxed, just keep being humble, make my plays,” said Johnson via Panthers Wire’s Anthony Rizzuti. “Help the team win the best way I can and my game will speak for itself. And if they feel like they want to extend me, then I’m all for it.”

Johnson’s contract situation has been intriguing, especially as the wide receiver market continues to evolve. He entered his final contract year as contracts for players like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams were changing the market. Johnson now finds himself in a new contract year as the market shifts once more.

Players like A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Justin Jefferson have secured higher-paying contracts than Hill, with others like CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk also seeking top contracts. Johnson, who will soon be turning 28, may be aiming for a contract exceeding $20 million per year, but he may need a strong season in Carolina to boost his market value.

Johnson has had various quarterbacks during his career, including Ben Roethlisberger during his time with the Steelers. Despite Roethlisberger’s credentials, Johnson’s time with the QB was not always optimal. Johnson has managed to perform well with different quarterbacks, showcasing his route running skills, albeit with occasional drops. His production has been consistent, with notable performances each season.

The Panthers added Johnson and Legette to bolster Young’s receiving options, which were lacking beyond Thielen the previous season. Thielen has a contract with guaranteed money for 2024, providing the Panthers flexibility for the future. Another potential trade involving Johnson would align with Young’s rookie deal in a roster that lacks high-value contracts.

Carolina recently appointed Dan Morgan as their GM. While Morgan was not involved in previous contract extensions for players like D.J. Moore and Robbie Chosen, he was part of the organization when those extensions were approved. It will be interesting to see if the Panthers decide to extend Johnson’s contract before or during the upcoming season.