Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly removed locker room troublemakers in Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson trades
The recent transactions of Diontae Johnson and Kenny Pickett by the Pittsburgh Steelers were purportedly done to get rid of two “malcontents” as well as to strengthen the roster’s long-term prospects.
The Steelers have been quite busy throughout the opening week of the 2024 offseason. When the company signed legendary Seattle Seahawks player Russell Wilson, it made one of its first major splashes. In addition, they signed gifted linebacker Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens, a division foe. But they also made a few significant roster subtractions.
In exchange for Kenny Pickett, the Steelers received two seventh-round draft selections (2025) and a third-round pick (2024).
They sent former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this week in exchange for Done Jackson and a sixth-round draft selection after deciding it was time to move on. After that, they made an unexpected trade of former first-round selection Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, their in-state rivals.
According to Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, both appeared to be disposable members of the team, but they were essential additions meant to attempt and restore the locker room atmosphere.
“Team players have taken the place of disgruntled individuals. Goodbye, if you’re not interested in playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Kaboly wrote. Since the conclusion of the 2023 season, this has occurred at several organizational levels.
2023 Kenny Pickett stats: 12 games, 2,070 passing yards, 4 interceptions, 6 touchdowns, and 81.4 rating
“It was a perfect juxtaposition of where the Steelers organization was and is going, Kenny Pickett’s abrupt trade to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, two weeks after the general manager threw his full support toward Pickett and only minutes after Russell Wilson’s introductory news conference — where he comported himself like the ultimate leader and team-first guy.”
It was revealed on Friday that Pickett did not take the Wilson news well the previous week. Over the last year, he had experienced many problems with the management. When he discovered he would be the team’s third quarterback at the end of the season in Week 17, he likewise declined to suit up.