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Risk and reward: Why Giants gave former Steelers star one last chance

Risk and reward: Why Giants gave former Steelers star one last chance
BrownsNation.com on X: "Browns are releasing Diontae Johnson ...

The New York Giants are making headlines again — and not just because of Malik Nabers’ season-ending knee surgery. With their rookie star receiver recovering from ACL and meniscus repair, the Giants are reportedly working out 29-year-old Diontae Johnson, a former Pittsburgh Steelers standout whose career has been a mix of brilliance and controversy.

At his best, Johnson was one of the most dynamic receivers in football. During his 2021 peak in Pittsburgh, he recorded 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, burning defenses with his speed and crisp route running. According to Player Profiler, he averaged 0.95 yards of separation against man coverage and 1.76 against zone — elite numbers that few can match. For a Giants offense desperate for explosive plays, that kind of separation ability is gold.

But Johnson’s résumé comes with baggage. Since leaving the Steelers, his career has spiraled through short stints with the Ravens, Panthers, Texans, and Browns. He was even suspended in Baltimore after reportedly refusing to play in cold weather against the Eagles — an incident that still raises questions about his professionalism. He’s also dropped the ball 36 times in his career, per Pro Football Reference, and several coaches have questioned his drive.

For the Giants, this is both a gamble and a necessity. With Malik Nabers sidelined, New York has leaned heavily on Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton, along with new signing Ray-Ray McCloud — a Brian Daboll favorite — but the offense still lacks a true downfield threat for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Johnson, if motivated, could fill that void instantly.

Head coach Brian Daboll knows he’s walking a fine line. The Giants need another weapon, but chemistry and discipline matter just as much as talent. A misstep in the locker room could undo the young foundation they’re trying to build. When asked about Johnson’s potential addition, Daboll didn’t hesitate to sum it up:
“Fresh start. Big talent. Now Diontae has to prove he wants it.”

In short, Diontae Johnson represents everything the Giants are right now — risky, uncertain, but capable of something special if everything clicks. It’s a “last-chance” story waiting to be written — and New York just might be the place where he proves everyone wrong.

Green Bay Packers Submit Strong Offer to Eagles for WR A.J. Brown, per Adam Schefter
Packers Enter the Trade Conversation The Green Bay Packers have emerged as a surprising but serious contender in the pursuit of star wide receiver A.J. Brown. According to Adam Schefter, Green Bay has submitted a strong trade proposal to the Philadelphia Eagles, signaling a potentially massive move that could reshape the landscape of the NFC. A Bold Offensive Vision Green Bay’s interest in Brown reflects the organization’s desire to elevate its offense around quarterback Jordan Love. After several seasons of building through youth and development, the Packers appear ready to add a proven elite receiver who can immediately become the focal point of the passing attack. Brown’s physical playing style, ability to dominate contested catches, and explosive production after the catch make him one of the most complete receivers in the league. For a Packers offense looking to add a true No. 1 option, Brown represents a rare opportunity. The Proposed Trade Structure According to league discussions, the framework of the Packers’ proposal is structured as follows: Packers Receive: A.J. Brown 2026 second-round pick Eagles Receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 31 overall) 2026 third-round pick 2026 sixth-round pick The offer provides Philadelphia with significant draft capital while allowing Green Bay to acquire a premier offensive weapon. Why Brown Fits in Green Bay From the Packers’ perspective, Brown would instantly change the dynamic of the offense. His ability to win one-on-one matchups and stretch defenses vertically would create more opportunities for the entire receiving corps while easing pressure on the young quarterback. Brown’s presence could also force opposing defenses to adjust their coverage schemes, opening space for the Packers’ running game and intermediate passing attack. A Difficult Decision for Philadelphia For the Eagles, moving a receiver of Brown’s caliber would not be a simple decision. Brown has been one of the centerpieces of Philadelphia’s offense, and his production has helped define the team’s identity in recent seasons. However, the draft capital offered in the proposal could provide Philadelphia with the flexibility to address multiple roster needs while maintaining long-term financial stability. Cap and Long-Term Considerations Financial factors could also influence how the Eagles approach the situation. Brown’s contract carries significant cap implications in the coming seasons, and balancing those commitments against future roster planning will be an important part of any decision. The Eagles’ front office will need to weigh the immediate competitive impact against the long-term roster outlook. A Trade That Could Shake the NFC While discussions are still in the exploratory stage, Green Bay’s aggressive proposal signals real interest in completing a blockbuster move. If negotiations continue to develop, the potential acquisition of A.J. Brown could become one of the most impactful trades of the NFL offseason and dramatically reshape the Packers’ offense heading into 2026.