The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading towards a decision on receiver Diontae Johnson. He's either going to get a boat load of money and stay in Pittsburgh for the long term, or the Steelers are going to let him play out the last year of his contract and let him test the open market. Ultimately, they could franchise tag him next season, but at that rate they might as well give him a long term deal because it's going to be just as pricy.
Now a lot of people believe that Johnson has the potential to become one of the top receivers in the game. He has elite route running ability, and elite ability to get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage. The only concern is his inconsistent hands. Johnson worked endlessly last offseason and during the season to be stop dropping passes. That happened for the most part until late in the season when the weather turned cold and nasty. While the Steelers were likely to still get blown out by the Chiefs in their wild card game, Johnson dropped a pass late in the second quarter that would've extended a drive. Instead, the Chiefs got the ball and scored to extend their lead and Pittsburgh never came close after that.
It seems the people at EA Sports believe that Johnson isn't as good as a lot of fans believe. Our friends over at UStadium dropped some leaks for the wide receiver ratings. There is a lot of argument among Madden fans that these ratings leaks are inaccurate. So take these with that in mind.
1. Cooper Kupp - 99
2. Davante Adams - 98
3. Justin Jefferson - 96
4. Tyreek Hill - 95
5. Deebo Samuel - 94
6. Ja’Maar Chase - 93
7. Stefon Diggs - 93
8. DeAndre Hopkins - 92
9. Michael Thomas - 91
10. Mike Evans - 91
11. DK Metcalf - 90
12. Keenan Allen - 89
13. Terry McLaurin - 89
14. Chris Godwin - 89
15. AJ Brown - 88
16. CeeDee Lamb - 87
17. Amari Cooper - 87
18. Tyler Lockett - 86
19. Jaylen Waddle - 86
20. Diontae Johnson - 86
21. Mike Williams - 86
22. DJ Moore - 85
23. Adam Thielen - 85
24. Brandin Cooks - 85
25. Marquise Brown - 84
26. Odell Beckham Jr - 84
27. Michael Pittman Jr - 83
28. Hunter Renfrow - 82
29. Robert Woods - 82
30. Devonta Smith - 81
Cooper Kupp gets a 99 rating as he should after his amazing 2021 season. Some believed that he may end up being the cover athlete but that goes to the late great John Madden who passed away this last year. A well deserved honored for Coach Madden who is missed by many.
Johnson is rated an 86 according to the leaks and is tied with Jaylen Waddle, Tyler Lockett, and Mike Williams.
