:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71208507/1348805207.0.jpg "Diontae Johnson contract news: Steelers give veteran WR two-year, .7 million extension")
The Pittsburgh Steelers have come to terms on a two-year, $36.71 million contract extension with veteran WR Diontae Johnson, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Thursday. The contract includes $27 million guaranteed and will keep Johnson in Pittsburgh through the 2024 NFL season.
The Steelers selected Johnson in the third round (66th overall pick) in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Toledo. Since then, he's been an integral part of the team's offense, totaling 254 catches, 2,764 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his three seasons. His 405 targets lead the team in that span, accounting for a 24% team target share.
The news should bring some joy to fantasy football managers, as Johnson has been in a “hold-in” since training camp started, meaning he's been present but not participating in activities. A return to the field will mean some time to build rapport with the carousel of quarterbacks currently in rotation for the team, including Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Regardless of who is under center for the season, Johnson is likely to once again lead the team with 140+ targets.