Steeler Nation continues to wait on the contract extension status of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. Johnson is entering his fourth year in the league after being drafting by the Steelers back in 2019 in the third round. He's coming off of his best season in 2021 with 107 receptions, 1,161 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns -- all good enough to be voted into the Pro Bowl.
Despite Johnson's outstanding numbers from a season ago, it seems as though Steeler Nation is split on if they want to extend Johnson's contract or not. People question if he's a true WR1, and with the increasing price market recently in regards to the receivers across the league, fans question whether Johnson is worth top dollar.
Photo via Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Is Johnson ready to extend with Steelers?
According to ESPN senior NFL reporter, Jeremy Fowler, Johnson wants to be a Steeler for the foreseeable future.
"My understanding is that Diontae Johnson wants to be in Pittsburgh long-term. I think he's prepared to play it out...I think he sees himself as having a chance in year four to be a top guy."
"My understanding is that Diontae Johnson wants to be in Pittsburgh long-term. I think he's prepared to play it out...I think he sees himself as having a chance in year four to be a top guy." - @JFowlerESPN
— Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) April 20, 2022
So, let's break it down.
There were only FOUR receivers in 2021 that had more catches than Johnson. Those receivers included the game's very best in Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams (145), Davante Adams now of the Las Vegas Raiders (123 with the Green Bay Packers), Tyreek Hill now of the Miami Dolphins (111 with the Kansas City Chiefs), and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings (108). Not only that, but Johnson finished 10th in total receiving yards. If Johnson doesn't scream WR1, I don't know who does.
Let's take it a step deeper.
Johnson has been heavily criticized over the amount of dropped balls he's had, and rightfully so maybe. But is it as bad as some in Steeler Nation would make it out to be? According to NBC Sports, Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers), Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals), both DJ Moore and Robby Anderson (Carolina Panthers), Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers), AND the aforementioned Hill and Jefferson ALL had 6+ drops or more in 2021 -- ALL more than Diontae Johnson with 5.
"I’m not perfect. I’m not going to sit up here and act like I’m perfect," Johnson said earlier this year. "I just go out there and play football at the end of the day. There’s a lot of emotions going on in the game. Sometimes, you drop the ball. Big deal. Bounce back from it, make another play.""Even when I did drop the ball this year, I’ve shown that I can respond in a positive manner. And that’s what I’ve been doing. A lot of people talk about that, but they don’t notice .. I feel that’s the main thing they focus on is the drops. But they don’t see all the good stuff that I’ve been doing throughout the whole season." - via All Steelers Talk / SI.com
Johnson himself clearly believes he's a top player in the game. He's deserving of top receiver money and I personally can't wait until he's extended long-term for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Mitch Trubisky poised to be the Steelers next starting quarterback, and a hopeful bounce back year in WR2 Chase Claypool, look for Johnson to build off of his 2021 success this upcoming season.
What do yinz think? Is Johnson suited to stay in Pittsburgh as the Steelers' top receiver for years to come? Click to comment below!
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