The Pittsburgh Steelers are no stranger to drafting and developing wide receivers. The hardest part is keeping those wide receivers on the roster after they have developed into stars or contributing members of the offense. The Steelers are currently looking to extend Pro Bowl WR Diontae Johnson to a long-term deal, but The Athletic's, Mark Kaboly has said that Johnson shouldn't expect a huge payday in comparison to some of his other fellow receivers in the league.
Steelers Not Offering WR Diontae Johnson “Anything Near” Terry McLaurin’s Huge $70 Million Extension
“They aren’t offering him anything near McLaurin or anybody else that got more than $20 million per year. They will offer him something, and it won’t be what he thinks he can get on the market, and he will get paid next year somewhere else.”
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 05: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 05, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Will Johnson agree to a deal that may provide a "hometown discount" for the Steelers? I'm not really sure, but the team has several talented wide receivers on the roster, and they may wait it out to see what this room becomes in 2022 before giving Johnson $20 million plus yearly.
In an article by Bleacher Report released Wednesday morning, writer Joe Tansey provided a few "Hot Takes" for the Steelers offense for the upcoming 2022 season. Tansey listed his second take, "Steelers Produce Pair of 1,000 Yard Receivers":
"The rookie pair of George Pickens and Calvin Austin could emerge as reliable targets throughout the season, but to start, Johnson and [Chase] Claypool should receive the bulk of the receptions inside the Pittsburgh offense.
The Steelers were only one big Claypool game away from capturing this feat last season, so it's not that hot of a take. Claypool is confident and ready to flourish in this upcoming season!
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) scores his fourth touchdown of an NFL football game on a 35-yard pass play from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the second half in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (Don Wright/AP)
Steelers’ Chase Claypool Views Himself As Top-3 Best WR In NFL Heading Into Third Year
"I’m going to be better this year. I know for a fact, I’m not like the rest of the guys in the NFL. I’m a top-five receiver. I know I’m a top-three receiver," said Claypool.
Former Steelers CB Ike Taylor agreed with that sentiment based solely on Claypool's talent level. “It’s not the talent that he don’t have, it’s the maturity level for Chase," explained Taylor.
If Claypool can put it all together and play up to his potential and with Johnson playing in a contract year, the Steelers passing game can be dangerous, no matter which quarterback is throwing them the ball! Both Claypool and Johnson can absolutely amass 1,000 receiving yards in 2022!
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What do yinz think? Can the Steelers produce two 1,000 yard receivers this season? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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