PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There wasn't much internal concern, but entering into the last year of his contract wide receiver Diontae Johnson showed up for Steelers mandatory mini-camp on Tuesday. He doesn't plan any protest or to alter his plans of practice, at least right now.
"I'm just here to work," Johnson said Tuesday. "Do what I'm told and get the job done, that's pretty much my focus being around the guys. I'm going to practice today."
Johnson said he's trying not to talk about being in the final year of his rookie contract, although he was forced to answer questions about it. He said he hasn't thought about a salary number and isn't concerned about practicing without a future deal.
"I try not to worry about it because if I continue to worry about that, it will throw off what I have going on already which is focusing, grinding and control what I can control," Johnson said. "I can't control what I can't control. If they want to sign me right now, whatever. I can just continue to be me and go out there and represent the Steelers the best way I know how to."
The 25-year-old coming off his first one-thousand-yard season and first trip to the Pro Bowl says he has noticed the contracts some of the other receivers have gotten recently. He said a bell rings in your head about the deals they got. He believes he's a top 15 receiver in the league saying 'the film don't lie'.
"All I can do is go out and make plays for the team," Johnson said. "That's what I'm trying to do, trying to help win a Super Bowl and contribute to the offense each and every week being consistent."
Johnson never seemed agitated with the questions and answered all of them. Even though he's posted on social media and hears what is being said, he's, again, trying to stay focused on getting ready for the season and let his people handle a contract.
"I'm not really worried about that," Johnson said. "There's a lot of stuff going on out there saying certain stuff about me, but at the end of the day I can only move forward and control what I can control."
"I want to be here, I'm patient. I'm just going to keep working. My agent is going to do what he do with that situation. I'm not trying to focus on that."
The fourth-year pro added if a new contract comes this year, it would be a blessing. If he doesn't, he promises he will just keep working.
