Atlanta Falcons Told to Trade For All-Pro Wide Receiver to Complement Drake London

The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a position where they need to catch up in the NFC South standings. Nevertheless, they possess a roster filled with youthful and dynamic offensive players who have the potential to propel them into playoff contention for the 2024 season. However, to bolster their wide receiver corps alongside Drake London, the Falcons are eyeing a potential trade target who could become available during the offseason.

Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers has emerged as a notable name on the Falcons’ radar in the trade market. Logan Ulrich highlights the connection between Atlanta’s recent hiring of Ike Hilliard as their wide receivers coach and Johnson’s early career development under Hilliard’s guidance. With the departure of Calvin Ridley, the Falcons are in need of additional support to complement London and tight end Kyle Pitts in their receiving unit.

Johnson’s tenure with the Steelers has been marked by fluctuations in performance, yet he recorded a respectable 51 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns during the 2023 season. However, factors such as George Pickens’ increasing role in the Steelers’ offense and uncertainties surrounding the quarterback position in Pittsburgh could prompt the team to consider trading Johnson.

Acquiring Johnson would not only provide the Falcons with a reliable second receiving option opposite London but could also influence the quarterback landscape during the offseason. Whether through acquiring Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, signing Kirk Cousins, or potentially securing Baker Mayfield from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, the Falcons are poised to integrate a new quarterback into their roster for the upcoming season.

Pro Football Focus highlights Johnson’s effectiveness as a target for Steelers quarterbacks, evidenced by a passer rating of 100.8 when targeted in 2023. Additionally, Johnson’s ability to gain yards after the catch, averaging 5.2 yards per reception, poses a significant challenge to opposing secondaries and would further enhance the Falcons’ array of offensive weapons.

As Johnson enters the final year of his contract, he presents an attractive trade option for teams seeking immediate offensive reinforcements. With a cap hit of $15.8 million for the 2024 season, Johnson could be a valuable asset for teams on the brink of contention who are looking to elevate their offensive capabilities with an impactful playmaker like him.