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Former Steelers Draft Pick Visits Pittsburgh After Ravens Release, Hopes for Reunion

Diontae Johnson Will Not Rejoin Ravens This Week

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.

Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.