The Baltimore Ravens could steal a wide receiver from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers Could Lose Wide Receiver to Baltimore Ravens

As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, teams across the league are preparing for the challenges that free agency, the NFL Draft, and potential trades will bring. Among the many storylines unfolding in the AFC North, one of the most intriguing narratives is the possibility of a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver joining their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. This potential move could create significant ripple effects for both teams, as the Ravens have long been in search of a true top-tier wide receiver, and the Steelers will be looking to replace one of their key offensive playmakers.

The AFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions in recent years, with the Ravens and Steelers being two of the more formidable teams vying for dominance. With both franchises already gearing up for next season, this potential free-agent move could shift the balance of power in the division. This article will explore the possibility of a Steelers wide receiver leaving Pittsburgh for Baltimore, the impact it would have on both teams, and the factors that could make this move a reality.

The Situation: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Wide Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver corps has been one of the most potent in the NFL over the years. With players like Antonio Brown, Hines Ward, and JuJu Smith-Schuster making significant impacts in recent seasons, Pittsburgh has always been known for its explosive offense. However, as the NFL continues to evolve, the Steelers’ receiving corps has undergone significant changes. With the departure of key veterans and the emergence of new talent, the team will face decisions on how to manage their roster going forward.

While the Steelers have a promising young wide receiver in George Pickens, the team’s depth at the position is less certain. One of their more experienced receivers, who could potentially be targeted by the Ravens, is Diontae Johnson. The 2020 Pro Bowl wideout has been a consistent and reliable target for quarterback Kenny Pickett in recent seasons. He’s proven to be a dynamic threat both as a route runner and with his ability to make big plays downfield.

Johnson’s contract status and his future in Pittsburgh are uncertain, as he is entering the final years of his deal. This opens the door for the possibility that he could seek a new home in free agency, and the Baltimore Ravens—desperate for a true No. 1 wide receiver—could present an enticing opportunity. Johnson’s ability to complement Lamar Jackson’s style of play would give the Ravens the top-tier receiving threat they’ve long been searching for.

The Baltimore Ravens’ Wide Receiver Struggles

One of the most glaring needs for the Baltimore Ravens has been the wide receiver position. Despite having a talented roster with quarterback Lamar Jackson and an elite defense, the Ravens’ passing game has often been criticized for its lack of elite receiving talent. The team has struggled to find consistent contributors at the position, with injuries and underperformance plaguing the wide receiver room.

The Ravens have invested in young players such as Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, but Bateman’s injury history and Flowers’ rookie status make the Ravens’ receiving corps less reliable than they would like. While Mark Andrews remains one of the top tight ends in the NFL, Baltimore has yet to find a reliable No. 1 wide receiver to pair with Jackson. This has hindered their offense, making it easier for opposing defenses to key in on the running game and limit the Ravens’ ability to be truly dynamic in the passing attack.

In recent years, the Ravens have attempted to address this issue by signing veterans like Odell Beckham Jr. However, Beckham’s injury history and inconsistent play have prevented him from becoming the type of game-changing wide receiver the Ravens need. As a result, the Ravens are once again looking for a top-tier pass-catcher to add to their roster, and Diontae Johnson could be the answer.

Diontae Johnson’s Skill Set

Diontae Johnson’s potential departure from Pittsburgh and arrival in Baltimore would be a game-changing move for both teams. Johnson is a versatile wide receiver with an impressive skill set that would thrive in Baltimore’s offense. At 6’0″ and 183 pounds, Johnson has the size and quickness to make an impact both as a deep threat and in short-to-medium routes. His ability to separate from defenders with quickness and precise route running has made him one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL over the past few seasons.

Johnson has demonstrated his skills in multiple facets of the game, including:

1. Route Running: Johnson is known for his ability to run precise and crisp routes, which allows him to create separation from defenders and get open in a variety of situations. This would make him a perfect fit for the Ravens, who have often relied on precise timing and execution in their passing game.
2. Yards After Catch: One of Johnson’s strongest assets is his ability to generate yards after the catch (YAC). His quickness and elusiveness make him difficult to bring down in the open field, and he can turn short throws into big gains. This skill set would fit well with Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays on the run and throw passes to open receivers.
3. Big Play Ability: Although Johnson is not known as a traditional deep threat, he has the ability to stretch the field and make big plays. His speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon on intermediate routes and occasional deep shots. Pairing him with Jackson would give the Ravens another weapon to challenge opposing defenses vertically.
4. Consistency: Despite playing in a less-than-ideal offensive system in Pittsburgh, Johnson has consistently been one of the team’s top targets. His ability to produce year in and year out would be a welcomed addition to the Ravens’ offense, where consistency at the wide receiver position has often been lacking.

Impact on the Baltimore Ravens

Adding a player of Diontae Johnson’s caliber would significantly elevate the Ravens’ offense. With Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens would have a dynamic passing game that could stretch the field vertically while also thriving in short-to-medium passing situations. Johnson’s route running and YAC ability would complement Jackson’s skill set perfectly, providing a reliable option in both the short and intermediate passing game.

In addition to giving Jackson another weapon, Johnson’s presence on the field would help open up opportunities for other players. With defenses having to account for a true No. 1 receiver, players like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers would benefit from more favorable matchups and opportunities to make plays. This would allow the Ravens’ offense to become more balanced and unpredictable, forcing defenses to spread their coverage across the field and create more space for both the passing and running game.

Furthermore, Johnson’s experience and leadership would be invaluable to the younger players in the Ravens’ receiving corps. His knowledge of the NFL and the nuances of route running would provide Bateman and Flowers with a strong mentor to learn from, improving their development in the long term.

Impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers

Losing Diontae Johnson to a division rival like the Baltimore Ravens would be a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson has been one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons and a favorite target of quarterback Kenny Pickett. If he were to depart, the Steelers would need to find a way to replace his production, which would be no easy task.

While the Steelers do have rising talents like George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth, Johnson’s departure would leave a noticeable hole in the receiving corps. The Steelers would likely need to look for replacements either in the draft or through free agency, but finding a player with Johnson’s level of consistency and skill set would be a challenge. This could slow the development of Pickett, who would lose one of his most dependable targets just as he’s entering a crucial stage of his career.

Additionally, losing a key player like Johnson to a division rival could create a competitive disadvantage for the Steelers in the AFC North. The Ravens would have an even more potent offense, while the Steelers would face the challenge of rebuilding their wide receiver corps.