5 players the Pittsburgh Steelers can build their future team around
By Tommy Jaggi
![Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fstillcurtain-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2021-2F12-2F1352293986-850x560-9819213b2e714c5f556b9b2e1b8e584245e950d015471221109f8775495f68c0.jpg)
Steelers can build around Diontae Johnson
I’ve got to admit, Diontae Johnson’s 2020 campaign had me a bit worried about who we were going to get in the future. While the flashes were always there, Johnson was one of the most inconsistent receivers in the NFL last year and after leading the NFL in dropped passes, there was real cause for concern.
Fortunately, Johnson is having by far the best season of his career in 2021, as he has displayed some of the best hands in the league at the wide receiver position in addition to his terrific route running and outstanding ability after the catch.
Though Johnson is going to be entering a contract year, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that the Steelers are going to pay him to stick around for a very long time. For my money, Johnson is the best receiver Pittsburgh has had since Antonio Brown, and he should only continue to get better in time.
While Diontae could be playing his last season with Ben Roethlisberger, it’s possible that Johnson could even benefit from the next franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh — assuming he is able to find him down the field more often. Regardless of who is at the helm, I am very confident that Diontae Johnson is a player you can build a football team around.