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The Carolina Pantherscut bait with outside linebacker DJ Johnson, one of the biggest draft busts in franchise history, over eight months ago. But somehow, their decision to move up and select him back in 2023 was made to look even worse this week.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers gladly handed over contract extensions to pass rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington. Herbig inked a pretty massive four-year, $100 million pact while Washington struck a cool four-year, $42 million agreement.
So, what do they have to do with Johnson and the Panthers?
Well, Herbig and Washington landed in Pittsburgh thanks, in large part, to the trade former Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer made to take Johnson. Fitterer sent the Steelers the 93rd and 132nd overall picks of that draft in exchange for the 80th—which would be used on the very raw 25-year-old defender.
Pittsburgh then scooped up Washington with No. 93 and Herbig with No. 132. (Those picks, by the way, were initially acquired by the Panthers in their trade of superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.)
Johnson went on to start in five of his 31 games for the Panthers between 2023 and 2025. He amassed just half a sack before being let go in late September of this past season.
After a few months on the open market, Johnson signed a practice-squad deal with the Washington Commanders—where Fitterer now serves as a personnel executive. Johnson stuck with Washington on a reserve/futures contract in January.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL draft: Steelers' recent extensions worsens Panthers' 2023 bust
Continue reading...
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers gladly handed over contract extensions to pass rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington. Herbig inked a pretty massive four-year, $100 million pact while Washington struck a cool four-year, $42 million agreement.
So, what do they have to do with Johnson and the Panthers?
Well, Herbig and Washington landed in Pittsburgh thanks, in large part, to the trade former Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer made to take Johnson. Fitterer sent the Steelers the 93rd and 132nd overall picks of that draft in exchange for the 80th—which would be used on the very raw 25-year-old defender.
Pittsburgh then scooped up Washington with No. 93 and Herbig with No. 132. (Those picks, by the way, were initially acquired by the Panthers in their trade of superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.)
Johnson went on to start in five of his 31 games for the Panthers between 2023 and 2025. He amassed just half a sack before being let go in late September of this past season.
After a few months on the open market, Johnson signed a practice-squad deal with the Washington Commanders—where Fitterer now serves as a personnel executive. Johnson stuck with Washington on a reserve/futures contract in January.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL draft: Steelers' recent extensions worsens Panthers' 2023 bust
Continue reading...
