Pittsburgh, PA – September 30, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be on the verge of a familiar reunion. After a turbulent stretch with multiple teams, one of their former draft picks has returned to Pittsburgh with hopes of donning black and gold once again.
That player is wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who spent five seasons with the Steelers from 2019 to 2023 before a short and difficult stint elsewhere. Released by the Baltimore Ravens late in 2024, Johnson made a surprise visit to the Steelers’ facility this week.
“Leaving Pittsburgh was the hardest part of my career. I never wanted to wear purple, and when the Ravens let me go, I knew where my heart belonged,” Johnson said.
“Walking back into the Steelers’ facility today felt like coming home — I just hope I get the chance to put the black and gold back on.”
Johnson was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, quickly carving out a role as one of the team’s top pass catchers. Across 77 games in Pittsburgh, he tallied 391 receptions, 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns, while earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and a Second-Team All-Pro honor in 2019 as a punt returner.
His time with Pittsburgh was defined by sharp route-running, explosive plays, and occasional struggles with drops. Still, he was a pivotal piece of the post-Ben Roethlisberger offense, helping the Steelers reach the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.
After being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2024 and then briefly playing for the Ravens, Johnson’s career hit turbulence. A team suspension in Baltimore and lack of production left his future in doubt. Now 29 years old, he’s determined to write a new chapter back where it all started.
For the Steelers, the timing could be significant. With injuries thinning the wide receiver corps behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, Johnson’s experience and familiarity with Pittsburgh’s system could offer a much-needed boost.
Whether the front office takes a chance on reuniting with Johnson remains to be seen, but for Steelers Nation, the idea of seeing him back in black and gold is already sparking heavy debate across social media.
