It’s done. The Pittsburgh Steelers have extended Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson on a two-year deal worth $36.71 million as first reported by Mike Garafolo on Thursday afternoon. This contract will be tact on to the final year of his rookie deal which was set to earn him $2.9 million this year.
Adam Schefter shortly after reported the deal is worth up to $39 million with $27 million guaranteed.
This is significant because the Steelers don’t normally do “up-to” amounts, or guarantee more than the first year of the deal for non-quarterbacks. The latter trend has been broken of late for All-Pro level players such as T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but Johnson is not quite on that level. Even Kicker Chris Boswell – a top three kicker in the league – didn’t receive much more than the first year guaranteed on his latest extension. Although that $27 million could be Year 1 of the extension and the signing bonus. So it might still follow suit to Pittsburgh’s preferences.
The Latest Deal
Johnson is the latest wide receiver to get an extension. His contract at a little over $18 million per season is the lowest of the latest deals. And at two years is also the shortest. The length is a benefit to both sides. Johnson gets to be a free agent again after the 2024 season, which is likely why the Steelers were able to retain him for such a small amount.
I did a study on the latest contracts earlier in the offseason – before Deebo Samuel and D.K. Metcalf got their deals done. I estimated Johnson would be worth at least $20 million per season based on the market. Pittsburgh signing him for less than $19 million is great value. You can see that piece below.
Diontae Johnson can now officially start his work in training camp. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will look to Johnson to lead this young and rebuilt wide receiver group. Johnson had 107 catches for 1161 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
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