The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 season with two top-tier wide receivers, but one may be on his way out due to a contract issue.
According toTrib Live’s Mark Madden, Diontae Johnson’s future with the team is “in doubt” as he enters his final year of contract. Johnson will make $15.8 million this season, the final year of his three-year contract with Pittsburgh.
According to Madden, Johnson may contemplate holding out in order to negotiate a new contract with the organization.
“I’ve heard Diontae Johnson’s future is in doubt,” Madden stated during the Breakfast With Benz podcast. “I’ve heard whispers he intends to have a hold-in again, as he did two years ago, because we’re entering the final year of his contract and he’s going to make noise over Pickett at quarterback.” I am not a Diontae fan. I think he’s mediocre, and they pay him far too much.
But what if you’re going to get rid of him because he’s not a Pickett guy? I mean, come on.
Johnson is coming off a season with 717 yards and five touchdowns. He has only had one 1,000-yard season in his career and has contended with QB changes since signing his extension in Pittsburgh.
It’s unclear whether re-signing Johnson is on the Steelers’ priority list this summer, or what a contract might look like for the 27-year-old wideout.
Johnson has taken on some leadership responsibilities in the wide receivers room and has been a consistent member of the group throughout his career. He’s given advise to George Pickens and Calvin Austin since they came, and both credit him with assisting their progress.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has talked highly of Johnson’s contributions to the team, and many consider him one of the top route runners in the NFL. Still, it’ll be interesting to see if he’ll be with the Steelers this season.
