PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A couple of offseason signings have set the market and the latest could realistically end contract talks between the Steelers and receiver Diontae Johnson.
On Tuesday, Washington signed receiver Terry McLaurin to a three-year, $71 million deal including a $28 million dollar signing bonus. It works to an average of $23.7 million per season. Each drafted in the same year, here are the career comparisons between the two.
Diontae Johnson-63% catch, 2764 yards, 10.9 avg., 20 TD, 58.8 yards per game
Terry McLaurin-62% catch, 3090 yards, 13.9 avg., 16 TD, 67.2 yards per game
"Look at it from Diontae Johnson's standpoint," said former NFL general manager Doug Whaley on the Fan Morning Show. "Now there is a slot. You have a floor with Christian Kirk ($18 million per season) and a ceiling with Terry McLaurin."
When comparing the two, Whaley says there is a big intangible that plays in McLaurin's favor. The Washington star had Alex Smith, Case Keenum and Taylor Heinicke as his quarterbacks. Johnson had a Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger. Although to be fair, Ben wasn't at the prime of his career the last few years and the passing game more conservative.
Whaley said the best thing for Johnson and the Steelers right now would be to just do nothing. No contract extension before the season for your statically best receiver as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
"Let it play out-for both sides," Whaley said during his weekly hour on 93.7 The Fan. "No one wants to give. Diontae is saying I want this. I don't even know if the Steelers have offered. If they have, they aren't in the conversation of getting close. Why not take a step back and see where it can go?"
The advantage for the Steelers in doing nothing is maybe Johnson doesn't have a big season and can't command the money at the end of the year that he might command now. They also could see an emergence of rookies George Pickens and Calvin Austin or an Anthony Miller or Miles Boykin proving they can play given the chance. The team could then use the money they would have paid Johnson for some other need.
The advantage for Johnson.
"If they don't give me a contract now with what I want, they are going to have to franchise me, which is 20 million plus," Whaley said. "We are going to start there at 20 even. Why not let it play out? Do I know what kind of quarterback (the eventual Steelers starter will be) and how I fit in this offense?"
The fourth-year receiver may not fit well in a true Matt Canada scheme. Now he's free to sign with whomever he wants, even if it's a prove it year in 2023 with the opportunity for a big contract the following season.
Given Johnson telling us he's watching the market and what others are getting. He's aware of the rising cost of proven receivers.
Even with salary cap room, it seems unlikely a deal will get done this summer.
