NFL Training Camp Latest Buzz: Core of Steelers Offense Set with Diontae Johnson Deal

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

The year of the wide receiver continued when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Diontae Johnson agreed to a two-year, $36.7 million contract extension, as reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Johnson joins Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Terry McLaurin, DJ Moore, Chris Godwin, Mike Williams, Brandin Cooks, DK Metcalf and Deebo Samuel as young wide receivers who got their bags this offseason.

Interestingly, Johnson signed a shorter deal at a lower average annual salary than those mentioned. Essentially, the sides reached a compromise since Johnson just entered the initial window to negotiate a new deal this offseason.

The 26-year-old receiver is now tied to the Steelers through the 2024 campaign, which is vital for the entire offense’s growth.

With Ben Roethlisberger finally stepping aside, the Steelers have a chance to jump-start what became a stagnant offense that lacked functionality because its veteran signal-caller couldn’t move or push the ball downfield.

Decision-makers within the organization spent the bulk of this offseason trying to address the position. Ultimately, the Steelers settled on signing veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky to a prove-it deal and then drafting Kenny Pickett with this year’s 20th pick.

Eventually, Pickett will take over, whether he does so at the start of his rookie campaign or a little further down the road. His development is key to the entire organization. Pittsburgh made a statement when the Pitt product became the first quarterback drafted and the only one to land in the first or second round. He’s the guy.

More often than not, a player’s situation serves as an overriding factor in whether he can be successful. Obviously, Pittsburgh is already one of the league’s most stable franchises, with no expected movement within the front office or atop the coaching staff expected in the near future. The next step is placing the best possible supporting cast around Pickett.

Johnson is the team’s primary receiving threat. The first-time Pro Bowler led the Steelers last season with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards. With Johnson as the focal point, Pittsburgh continues to build an impressive young wide receiver corps that includes Chase Claypool and the team’s 2022 second-round draft pick, George Pickens.

Furthermore, both starting running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth are entering their second seasons. Plus, the Steelers’ offensive interior received an overhaul this offseason.

Pickett will step into a promising situation once he’s named the starter. The Steelers made sure of it when they extended Johnson.