The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally ended the sit-in of wide receiver Diontae Johnson by giving him a three-year contract extension.
Training camp is a time for the Steelers to set aside all the distractions and get to work. And now wide receiver Diontae Johnson can join them.
After a contract dispute that had Johnson sitting out of practice, the WR and the team came to an agreement on a new contract extension on Thursday, the team announced.
There are conflicting reports about the value of the deal.
Diontae Johnson contract details: Steelers lock up wide receiver
According to Gary Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the contract is for three years and worth $39.5 million.
BREAKING: Steelers are finalizing a new three year, $39.5 million deal for WR Diontae Johnson, per sources.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 4, 2022
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the deal was for two years and $36.6 million, with $27 million guaranteed.
The #Steelers guaranteed $27 million of the deal and Johnson receives $19 million in Year 1. He gets financial security, the team keeps him at a good number, he can cash in again soon and he’s back on the practice field today to work with Trubisky and Pickett. Situation resolved. https://t.co/IQPzCXtop1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 4, 2022
Whatever the final numbers come out to, the Steelers no longer have to worry about their top receiver not being on the field as they work out the quarterback battle.
Johnson had 107 catches for 1161 yards and eight touchdowns last year, all career highs. He has steadily improved his production each year he’s been in the league and will be playing a significant role for whichever quarterback wins the job this August.
Whether it’s Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, the quarterbacks needed Johnson on the field as soon as possible to build chemistry.
Johnson was part of the 2019 wide receiver class that saw a wave of lucrative extensions this year. He didn’t have the bargaining power of DK Metcalf, AJ Brown or Deebo Samuel, but he still held-in while hoping for a better deal.
This one will give him the opportunity to prove himself for an even bigger contract in just a few years. Then we’ll see if he’s level with other star wide receivers.
