Why the Arizona Cardinals Must Make Diontae Johnson Their Top Target to Revitalize Their Offense – January 15, 2025.
As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they face numerous decisions that will shape the future of their franchise. While their focus will undoubtedly be on key positions such as quarterback and defensive line, one position that should not be overlooked is wide receiver. The Cardinals need to find a dynamic playmaker who can elevate their offense, and one player who fits that mold is Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While not a draft prospect, Johnson’s availability could present an invaluable opportunity for the Cardinals. His skill set, maturity, and potential to flourish in Arizona’s system make him an intriguing option for the Cardinals to pursue. Here’s why they should do everything they can to bring Diontae Johnson to the desert.
1. Explosive Playmaking Ability
Diontae Johnson is widely known for his ability to make explosive plays, a trait that would fit seamlessly into the Cardinals’ offensive philosophy. Johnson has consistently demonstrated the ability to get open on a variety of routes, whether it’s on deep balls, quick slants, or crossing routes. His elite speed and quickness enable him to create separation from defenders, making him a legitimate threat every time he steps on the field.
For the Cardinals, an offense led by quarterback Kyler Murray thrives on the ability to stretch the field and create big plays. Johnson’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field, combined with his exceptional route-running skills, would provide a much-needed boost to the Arizona passing game. With Murray’s mobility and vision as a passer, pairing him with a versatile weapon like Johnson could unlock new levels of offensive production for the Cardinals.
An insider familiar with the Cardinals’ strategy said, “Johnson’s ability to stretch defenses with his speed and create explosive plays could be exactly what Arizona needs. His skill set would complement Kyler Murray’s ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move.”
2. Reliable Hands and High-Volume Target
One of the hallmarks of Diontae Johnson’s game is his ability to be a consistent and reliable target. Despite facing difficult circumstances in Pittsburgh, including inconsistent quarterback play, Johnson consistently posted strong numbers. In 2023, he recorded 85 receptions for over 900 yards and 5 touchdowns. His high target volume and ability to catch passes in a variety of situations make him a security blanket for any quarterback.
For the Cardinals, adding a wide receiver who can be trusted to make tough catches in critical moments is a necessity. Arizona’s offense has lacked consistency at times, especially in critical situations where a reliable receiver is needed to convert third downs or make a play in the red zone. Johnson’s proven ability to get open and make contested catches could provide the Cardinals with the dependable weapon they need to move the chains and make key plays in high-pressure situations.
A source within the Cardinals organization noted, “Johnson is a proven receiver who can handle a heavy target load. His ability to catch passes in traffic and come down with the ball in tough situations would make him a huge asset for Arizona’s offense.”
3. Leadership and Mental Toughness
Diontae Johnson’s leadership qualities are often praised by coaches and teammates alike. Johnson has faced his fair share of adversity throughout his career, including drops and inconsistency early on, but he has worked tirelessly to improve and prove his worth. His mental toughness and growth as a player are qualities that make him a strong candidate to help lead the Cardinals’ young receiving corps.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Johnson’s maturity and professionalism make him a valuable presence in the locker room. The Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase and need veteran leadership to help guide the younger players on the roster. Johnson’s experience in dealing with both highs and lows in his career can provide valuable insight and mentorship to the Cardinals’ next generation of pass catchers.
An insider close to the team remarked, “Diontae Johnson is not just a great player; he’s a great leader. His work ethic and commitment to improving himself are qualities that would help set the tone for the entire receiving group in Arizona.”
4. Versatility and Fit in Arizona’s System
One of the most exciting aspects of Diontae Johnson’s game is his versatility. While he may not be the tallest receiver at 6 feet tall, he possesses excellent footwork, quickness, and understanding of defensive coverage to win at all levels of the field. Johnson can operate as an outside receiver, in the slot, or even in motion, which makes him a highly adaptable piece in any offense.
In Arizona’s system, which often utilizes a variety of route combinations and movement to create mismatches, Johnson could excel. His ability to line up in multiple spots and run a diverse array of routes would give head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing plenty of options to keep opposing defenses guessing. This versatility is crucial for the Cardinals, who need to be unpredictable and dynamic in their offensive approach.
As one source within the Cardinals scouting department pointed out, “Johnson’s ability to thrive in multiple roles within an offense is a key asset. Arizona’s offense thrives on mismatches and moving players around, and Diontae’s skill set would allow the Cardinals to be even more creative.”
5. Immediate Impact and Long-Term Investment
Adding Diontae Johnson to the Cardinals’ receiving corps would have an immediate impact. Not only would he provide Kyler Murray with a go-to option, but his arrival would also help unlock the full potential of the young receivers already on the roster. Players like Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore could benefit from the presence of a proven veteran who draws attention from opposing defenses.
Additionally, Johnson would be a long-term investment for the Cardinals. At 28 years old, he is entering the prime of his career and could provide Arizona with several more seasons of high-level production. With the right coaching and the right system in place, Johnson has the potential to become a key piece of the Cardinals’ offense for years to come.
Conclusion: The Cardinals Can’t Afford to Miss Out on Diontae Johnson
For the Arizona Cardinals, adding Diontae Johnson would be a game-changing move. His explosive playmaking, reliability as a pass-catcher, leadership qualities, and versatility would fill a critical need in the Cardinals’ offense. With Kyler Murray poised to continue his development and a young roster eager for success, Johnson’s presence could elevate the entire unit and help Arizona reach new heights.
The Cardinals are in the midst of a crucial rebuilding phase, and Diontae Johnson could be the player who accelerates their ascent. If he becomes available, the Cardinals must not let this opportunity slide.
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