Steelers, Diontae Johnson strike extension reportedly worth $36.71M
The Pittsburgh Steelers extended wide receiver Diontae Johnson on Thursday, the team announced.
The two-year extension is worth $36.71 million, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. It reportedly includes $27 million guaranteed and will pay Johnson $19 million in the first year.
Johnson, who's now under contract through the 2024 season, can earn up to $39.5 million with incentives, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"I felt it in my gut it was the right move for me and my family," Johnson said. "I am just glad to get back to work. I love being a Steeler. I love it here. Just being around my teammates, the atmosphere, the energy they show every day. I feel like I made the right choice to continue to be here for a long time."
The 26-year-old's new $18.35-million average annual salary ranks 17th among wide receivers, per Spotrac.
Johnson, a third-round pick in 2019, was entering the last year of his rookie contract. He reported to training camp but decided to hold in, only participating in select drills as the two sides discussed an extension.
The Toledo product, who's coming off a career year, has led Pittsburgh in targets each season since entering the NFL. He also finished 2021 with a team-high 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdown catches in 16 games.
The Pro Bowler has caught 254 passes for 2,764 yards and 20 touchdowns across three campaigns with the Steelers.
Johnson adds to what's been a lucrative year for receivers from the 2019 draft class:
Six WRs taken outside the first-round in 2019 have gotten paid this offseason:
- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 4, 2022
- AJ Brown: 4-years, $100M
- DK Metcalf: 3-years, $72M
- Deebo Samuel: 3-years, $71.5M
- Terry McLaurin: 3-years, $71M
- Diontae Johnson: 2-years, $36.7M
- Hunter Renfrow: 2-years, $32M
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