The 2019 wide receiver class is getting paid. It’s been an offseason of contract extensions for several members of the 2019 NFL draft class and those contracts are having a significant impact on the wide receiver market.
One guy from that class who hasn’t gotten a new deal yet is Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson. Johnson started training camp as a “hold-in” with the team, working only individually while his representatives try to get him an extension.
Statistically, Johnson makes a strong case. Players like Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, Terry McLaurin and AJ Brown are all getting huge raises and if you put their numbers under the microscope with Johnson’s, he passes all the tests.
So why is it less and less likely Johnson is going to play this season on anything but his rookie contract? Because he plays for the Steelers. As great as it is to play for such a storied franchise, players have to understand the Steelers front office doesn’t flinch when it comes to the market and won’t overpay simply because other teams are willing to.
Pittsburgh even went so far as to prepare for this eventuality by drafting not one but two playmaking wide receivers in the 2022 NFL draft. Johnson has practically no leverage in negotiations and every practice he misses just gives the team a better look at the players who could eventually replace him.
