Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers get little bang for big bucks spent on WR Diontae Johnson

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/6/22

Should the Pittsburgh Steelers have waited to extend their fourth-year wide receiver? It sure looks that way.

WR Diontae Johnson signed a two-year, $36.71 million contract extension in August, but the Steelers aren't getting the bang for their big bucks.

Pittsburgh media have criticized Johnson for drops and a lack of production.

Diontae Dropson is back. $18 million for Butterfinger hands.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 4, 2022

In the Steelers' 19-16 win Sunday over Atlanta, Johnson's downs outweighed his ups.

Steelers work mesh against a 5 man pressure look with man coverage behind it.

Diontae Johnson should absolutely get a first down on this play thanks to A.J. Terrell stumbling. Brutal drop in the open field. pic.twitter.com/vTMC4jwhYd
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) December 5, 2022

Johnson's drops aren't the only thing causing frustration for fans. He seems to find ways to lose yards and first downs when trying to make more out of plays than what is available.

Been a frustrating year for WR Diontae Johnson and it's showing. He's pressing, trying to make the home run play each time over the middle. Instead, he's losing yards. Happened one time each of the last three weeks. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/rtmeuugSKr
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) November 30, 2022

Through 12 games, Johnson has 565 receiving yards and no touchdowns. He's on pace to have 800 yards receiving, which would be his second-worst season since his rookie year in 2019.

Baltimore, the Steelers' opponent Sunday, has allowed the eighth-most pass yards per game (248). Maybe the Ravens are just what Johnson needs to snap out of a season-long funk.

If Johnson underwhelms against the Steelers' biggest rival, the heat may really turn up on the fourth-year receiver.

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