Pittsburgh — 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 to Trib 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 consider holding out in order to negotiate a new contract 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.
