Pittsburgh moved down from No. 80 to No. 93 and added pick…
Pittsburgh moved down from No. 80 to No. 93 and added pick No. 132, selecting Darnell Washington and Nick Herbig. Washington became a regular tight end, while Herbig produced 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles through his first three seasons. Carolina used No. 80 on DJ Johnson, whose defensive impact was far smaller. Turning one third-round slot into two contributors makes Pittsburgh the clear winner.
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2023 3rd round pick (80th overall, DJ Johnson)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 2023 3rd round pick (93rd overall, Darnell Washington )
- pick 2023 4th round pick (132nd overall, Nick Herbig )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Pittsburgh traded the 80th pick to Carolina during the 2023 draft for selections 93 and 132. The Panthers selected edge defender DJ Johnson. The Steelers used No. 93 on tight end Darnell Washington and No. 132 on linebacker Nick Herbig. Pittsburgh therefore moved back 13 spots and gained an additional fourth-round selection, creating two opportunities from one top-80 asset.
Why Pittsburgh Won
Both acquired picks became useful players. Washington appeared in 50 games over his first three seasons and developed into a regular part of Pittsburgh's offense, including 31 catches for 364 yards in 2025. Herbig delivered even more surplus value as a pass rusher. Through 2025 he had 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 45 games, with 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in his third season. Getting that combination from picks 93 and 132 is an excellent return. The production also came from two different position groups, giving Pittsburgh both offensive and defensive value.
How Carolina's Pick Fared
Johnson did not produce a comparable impact for the Panthers. He appeared in 31 games with five starts through the period captured in the league record and recorded only a half-sack. Carolina's decision to move up was defensible if it believed Johnson filled a specific defensive need, but the trade-up cost becomes difficult to justify once the two picks surrendered both turn into productive Pittsburgh players.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh earns an A- and the win, while Carolina receives a C. Herbig's pass-rush production plus Washington's regular role create a decisive two-player advantage over the Panthers' return.