Five WRs Steelers should target after Diontae Johnson trade

On Tuesday evening, the Steelers made a surprising decision to trade WR Diontae Johnson and their 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 240) to the Panthers in exchange for CB Donte Jackson and their 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 178).

Whether Johnson wanted out of Pittsburgh or not, the team now has another glaring hole at wide receiver. Here are five wideouts the Steelers should target.

Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals

The connection with Boyd is obvious. He grew up in Clairton, Pa., and played collegiate ball at the University of Pittsburgh.

The 29-year-old may be looking to cash in on the last big payday of his NFL career, but coming home and playing for his hometown team must be a strong option in his mind.

Boyd has been one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league, posting at least 50 catches and 650 receiving yards in the last six seasons, and would happily do the dirty work over the middle of the field.

Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars

Ridley is the top name available on the free-agent market. His NFL career has had its ups and downs as he was suspended for the 2022 season for betting on games in the previous season.

But his production on the field is undisputed. In 2023, he returned to form with 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns with the Jaguars.

The 29-year-old's asking price could be the determining factor. Per Spotrac, he'll receive a deal in the range of $17.5 million per year. However, general manager Omar Khan has his way with numbers.

Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals

Brown could return to the AFC North, where he began his NFL career as a first-round pick in Baltimore in 2019.

The 26-year-old has battled some injuries the past couple of seasons, but he is a former 1,000-yard receiver and should come at a cheaper price tag.

Former Ravens LB Patrick Queen is already slated to join the Steelers. Why not make it another with Brown?

Rome Odunze, Washington Huskies 

Pittsburgh was among the teams that met with the Washington product at the NFL Scouting Combine, which caught the attention of many. The Steelers knew their relationship with Johnson was ending, so doing their homework on this year's wide receiver draft class makes sense.

Odunze will prove costly to acquire. He ranks as the third-best wide receiver and No. 7 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board after posting 167 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns from 2022-23.

Pittsburgh has proven to be much more aggressive under Khan. So, it wouldn't be surprising if the team traded up to land Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Roman Wilson, Michigan Wolverines

The Steelers have been one of the best teams in the league at drafting wide receivers outside of the first round. If they want to continue doing so in April's draft with other needs to fill, adding a playmaker like Wilson could be the answer.

The Michigan product ranks as the eighth-best wide receiver and No. 49 overall prospect on PFF's big board after posting 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023.

Wilson played a large role in helping the Wolverines win a College Football Playoff National Championship last season. He could help Pittsburgh contend for a championship as well.