The Pittsburgh Steelers have been at the center of trade talks surrounding their wide receivers all off-season.  After losing out on nearly every quarterback sweep stakes this off-season, Pittsburgh went a different direction.  The only thing that stands between Pittsburgh and a full rebuild is first round draft pick Kenny Pickett.  The QB was taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is sitting out the team’s voluntary offseason team activities because of his contract situation, per Mark Kaboly of the Athletic.

“Johnson is unhappy with his current contract situation and trying to send a message through his lack of attendance. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.  He knows if an extension isn’t agreed upon by the Sept. 11 opener, he will likely play the season without any security of a long-term deal as he heads into free agency.”

Diontae Johnson finished with 107 receptions (ranked 5th in NFL) and 1,161 receiving yards in 2021.  However 527 of those yards came AFTER the catch (ranked 8th in NFL).  He is a YAC MONSTER.  He also had 88 receptions, 923 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 2020.

Johnson picked up a first down on 59 of his 107 receptions in 2021.  Over 50% of the time Johnson is moving the sticks.  He would absolutely thrive in Matt Lafleur’s offense.  Get him the ball and watch him make plays.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not known to throw big money at wide receivers.  Paying Diontae Johnson wouldn’t align with what they typically do.  Offloading him for future weapons, knowing they aren’t going to win a Super Bowl this year, would make sense.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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