With two elite wide receivers entering the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers may be losing one of them due to a contract dispute. As he approaches the last year of his contract, Mark Madden of Trib Live reports that Diontae Johnson’s future with the organization is “in doubt”.
Johnson is set to make $15.8 million this upcoming season, which is the last of the three-year deal he signed with Pittsburgh. According to Madden, Johnson could consider holding in, looking for a new deal with the team.
“I’ve heard Diontae Johnson’s future is in doubt,” Madden said on the Breakfast With Benz podcast. “I’ve heard whispers he plans to have a hold-in again, like he did two years ago, because we’re going into the last year of his contract, and he’s going to make noise over Pickett at quarterback. I’m not a Diontae fan. I think he’s mediocre, and they pay them way too much. But if you’re gonna get rid of him because he’s not a Pickett guy? I mean, come on.”
Johnson is coming off a 717-yard season with five touchdowns. He’s only had one 1,000-yard year in his career but has dealt with quarterback changes since signing his extension in Pittsburgh.
It’s unknown if re-signing Johnson is on the Steelers’ list of priorities this offseason, or what a deal would look like for the 27-year-old wideout.
Johnson has taken on some sort of a leadership role in the wide receivers room and has been a reliable member of the group his entire career. He’s offered advice to George Pickens and Calvin Austin since they’ve arrived, and both have credited him with helping their development.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has spoken very highly of what Johnson brings to the team, and many have called him one of the best route runners in the NFL. Still, it’s a storyline to watch on whether or not he’ll be with the Steelers this upcoming season.
