There were questions about whether Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, would show up to Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this year in lieu of his current contract situation. He has been missing since the workouts began on May 23rd.
Steeler Nation need not worry. Despite Johnson's cryptic social media messages recently, he arrived on Tuesday for the start of this weeks team activities.
Diontae Johnson is here this week. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/y4W2IWPVRF
— Rich Walsh KDKA (@RichieWalsh) May 31, 2022
Johnson is hoping to ink a contract extension from Pittsburgh this off-season, but holding out won't do anything except send a bad message to fans and the organization. The Steelers, even with new General Manager, Omar Khan, will most likely continue to operate the same way in terms of when and where they discuss contract extensions with players.
Johnson is coming off the best season of his career. The wideout had 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. Johnson will be a huge part of the offense this year once again and although Pittsburgh drafted rookie wide receivers, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, fans can still expect the front office work towards an extension with Johnson.
Pittsburgh is also expecting to try and sign Minkah Fitzpatrick as well so Khan's first year as the GM could very well be an expensive one.
Steelers Camp, August 2020, Diontae Johnson (#18) cataches a pass over Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39). | Steelers.com
Overall, it is surely a great sign that Johnson has shown up in order to build up a rapport with the three new quarterbacks on the team. As a #1 wide receiver, it is imperative to have a relationship with every signal caller and his arrival sends a message that he cares about the team. Pittsburgh is in need of leaders on the offensive side of the ball and showing up on Tuesday proves that Johnson wants to be one of those guys.
Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson catches a slant from Kenny Pickett today at OTAs pic.twitter.com/DkkTCOQvgz
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) May 31, 2022
What are your thoughts on Johnson finally showing up to OTAs? Let us know in the comments below!
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