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, and 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.”
As Kaboly noted, the Steelers appear to have the leverage at the moment.
“Johnson doesn’t want that, and what little leverage he has is sitting out OTAs. It’s an empty threat because Johnson doesn’t have much recourse in the matter. How the Steelers do business is they will offer Johnson what they believe is his market value, and there won’t be much wiggle room.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver hasn’t been very vocal about his situation, but he seemed to respond to the rumors on Twitter.
If there is no deal by Week 1, Kaboly reports that the two sides will probably not continue discussions into the season.
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During the 2021 season, Johnson had 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. Those are career-high marks for all three categories.
With Smith-Schuster in Kansas City, Johnson has a chance to cement his role even further as Pittsburgh’s top wideout.
