The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the NFL. Diontae Johnson is a special talent who leads the pack, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in the Steel City. After a troubling 2020 season littered with drops, Johnson has worked hard to prove he's still a top wide receiver, and a valuable one at that. He has proved to everyone that he's a keystone to this team, becoming an exceptional route-runner and strong mentor to his fellow wideouts.
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After a disappointing 2022 campaign, Steelers WR Diontae Johnson will be expected to have a bounce back season in Kenny Pickett's second year.
Johnson has already had quite a memorable career as a Steelers playmaker. He had an average start to his career during his rookie season, notching 680 yards and five touchdowns. However, he fumbled five times in his debut season and lost two of them. 2020 was a rough year for him, recording 15 drops over the course of the season. Both of his primary statistics improved, with him going for 923 yards and seven touchdowns during his sophomore season. He also drastically cut down on his fumbles, only doing so twice and losing one. 2021 was the best season he's had so far, finally passing the surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. He totaled 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns in his third year, leading the team in both receptions and receiving yards. Johnson saw a decline in 2022 however, finishing with 882 yards and most notably, zero touchdowns.
Johnson is on track for a bounce-back season in 2023, especially with newfound confidence in Kenny Pickett. Pickett was part of a turbulent quarterback room in 2022, with Mitch Trubisky starting the season as QB1. Pickett eventually got the starting nod, but the uncertainty of pass-throwers hurt all the receivers' numbers. Johnson has confidence in Pickett and it seems that confidence goes both ways, as the pair have made highlight-reel connections during training camp. Johnson is ready for a big year in 2023, and everyone is waiting with anticipation.
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Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson catches a pass on Christmas Eve against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.
Johnson has also described how much he enjoys the city of Pittsburgh and the atmosphere, claiming he wants to be a Steeler for life. In a new Steel Here podcast episode with Kevin Adams and Jersey Jerry, Johnson is very vocal about his love for the city and the team. In his eyes, Pittsburgh is his only home and he aims to stay here until he hangs up his cleats.
"I'm dead set on being a Steeler. I'm going to retire a Steeler. I don't want to play anywhere else. I love it here."
Johnson is committed to the Steelers, and it seems like the feeling is reciprocated. In 2022, Johnson signed a two-year extension worth $36.71 million, with $27 million guaranteed. That payday put Johnson in the top 20 for receivers, and his play has bolstered his top 20 nod. Johnson is tied for the second-longest streak with 85 or more receptions per year (2020-22), and has the most receptions through a player's first four years on the Steelers (340). Johnson is a statistical beauty for Pittsburgh, and they've shown they're not afraid to pay him like a top wide receiver.
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Steelers WR Diontae Johnson evades Packers defenders to turn a short pass into a big gain.
Steelers' Johnson Loves the Coaching
Johnson was also vocal about the incredible coaching he's witnessed in Pittsburgh. He paints a picture of any sports player's dreams; a supportive, fun, refreshing environment that makes you fall in love with the sport any time you come to a meeting or practice. He emphasized that Head Coach Mike Tomlin allows his players to be and express themselves, and makes the work they put in seem like fun.
"Coach Tomlin lets you be yourself. I love playing for a coach like that. I just like coming to work. I'm going to retire here."
Johnson is in the highest spirits about the Steelers and is looking forward to a very promising 2023 season. He knows he's WR1 and is looking to fill those shoes the best he can, along with continuing to mentor a young George Pickens and bouncing back from a disappointing 2022 season. The offense has been clicking recently in the preseason, and Johnson was on the headlines for multiple spectacular catches. Only time will tell to see how well he performs, but big things are expected from the Pittsburgh veteran.
How do you think Johnson will perform in 2023? Will he return as a 1,000-yard receiver? Do you believe he'll retire as a Steeler? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!
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