In a move which came as something of a surprise in multiple ways, the Steelers extended receiver Diontae Johnson yesterday. The deal came amidst speculation that he would depart next spring in free agency, and carries a lower annual value than he likely would have been able to command on the open market had he taken that path. 
Details about the process resulting in Johnson remaining in Pittsburgh through 2024 have begun to emerge, as detailed by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic (subscription required). He writes that the offer (two years, $36.71MM) was tabled to Johnson “weeks ago.” The Pro Bowler originally sat out of practices in training camp, and it was reported earlier this week that serious negotiations had only just begun, and that a significant financial gap existed between the two parties.
“The offer they gave me, I stuck with it,” Johnson said. “I could’ve gotten a little more, but I’m good, I’m happy and I am ready to go.” The $18.355MM annual average of the new pact (which will begin next year) places him far below the likes of fellow 2019 draft classmates A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin, whose compensation ranges from $23.2MM to $25MM. More generally, it also falls short of the $20MM-per-year plateau which has become the new watermark at the position this offseason; 14 wideouts currently meet or exceed that threshold.
“You see the numbers, but I wasn’t looking at everyone’s pockets,” the 26-year-old added. “I can’t control what they got going on, so I’m just worried about what I got going on. We were able to come up with something and happy to come to the table, get something done, and I was happy we got there.”
By signing a second contract, Johnson joins rare Steelers company at the position (Hines Ward and Antonio Brown represent notable exceptions to the general rule of letting wideouts walk in free agency). With a short-term deal in place, he can move closer to his stated goal of remaining in Pittsburgh for the duration.
“I felt like it was the right decision. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side… at the end of the day I love being a Steeler. I love it here; I want to finish my career here.”
31 teams have the privilege of saying they don’t employee DeShaun Watson
Trust me, you’d love for him to be a Steeler. But Pittsburgh can’t hog all the sexual deviants
So you admit Watson is one? Curious you’re so excited to have him anyways.
I absolutely hated that this comment section started with Watson comments. But then Brownsbacker9 aligned Watson as a sexual deviant.
So long as he stops dropping passes…
He should send Christian Kirk a thank you card!
So, wait…
He’s happy with where he is in his life and career and making a LOT of money is enough for him and he doesn’t want to risk all of that to get a few pennies more somewhere else?
Weird dude, huh?
Fair on both sides. Glad he’ll be a Steeler for a few more years at least
Million per drop 1/4 mill per catch
He’s smart because he’s not coming close to equaling last years stats and that means a less lucrative walk year. Roethlisberger couldn’t move but he knew where everyone was and was accurate. Trubisky? Haha. Pickett? Haha
Jacoby Brissett? Haha
He’s the backup. Haven’t you heard, Browns got Deshaun Watson. Pro bowler.
And ……. Sexual Deviant
Brownsbacker9 • 49 mins ago
Trust me, you’d love for him to be a Steeler. But Pittsburgh can’t hog all the sexual deviants
I’ve said that all along that Watson is a pervert and deserves a suspension. He didn’t rape anyone nor was he accused of it. 8 games sounds about right. Why Rose bud? Was tinkerbell taken? Seems like an odd name for a football site.
Brownsbacker9 sorry that I make you feel as uncomfortable as a masseuse trying to work with a client only wearing a washcloth. To make you happy I could make another profile using your “tinkerbell” suggestion, but I will look at your Browns QB situation for inspiration. I will stick with what I have, just like the Browns should have stuck with Baker Mayfield.
Baker Mayfield was the 26th rated quarterback last year. I liked Baker but you need a top 10 quarterback to win in this league. The days of Trent Dilfer and Nick Foles winning aren’t happening. The Browns had the best ypc running back room and a top 5 defense last year and still finished 8-9. Bad quarterback play
He’s only the starter when he’s not suspended. Haven’t you heard?
He’s signed for 5 years. I’m ok with waiting a little longer. How long will the Steelers have to wait until they get a good quarterback?
I can understand being willing to wait for all of those titles and success Watson had before he was outed as what he really is…. Oh that’s right he doesn’t have anything to show but a suspension and a 1-3 playoff record
He’s never been on a team as talented as the Browns. You know that. I know that. Everyone knows that. All the Browns were missing was a quarterback that led the league in passing. Oh, that would be DW
Pardon me if I don’t trust the brownies to know a good qb. We’ll see how they feel about all those guarantees in a few years.
You can’t be excited about Trubisky. I hear Pickett looks lost. Rudolph is outplayed both. That’s not a good sign. The Browns have been bad at drafting quarterbacks but Watson is already a known quality. He’s made the pro bowl 3 of his 4 years. 104.5 career QBR. That’s incredible
A browns fan telling me what I can’t be excited about, that’s rich. Enjoy your night bud, I really hope browns fans one day get to experience a season worth remembering, but don’t expect it from Watson.
Again, you’re talking about the past. I guess now you’re going to bragg about the Pirates and Willie Stargell and AL Oliver.