5 players Steelers could sign in 2023 if they don’t extend Diontae Johnson

WR DJ Chark

The free-agent wide receiver class in 2023 is not very strong at all — which could potentially drive the asking price of Diontae Johnson up even more. However, if the Steelers do want to find a free agent receiver to help fill the void left by Johnson next year, DJ Chark is one of the better options.

Chark plays a very different role in Jacksonville than Johnson does in Pittsburgh, but he’s a quality football player who could be an asset to Kenny Pickett in the passing game. Chark made the Pro Bowl in his second NFL season in 2019 after catching 73 passes for 1,008 yards, and 8 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the former second-round pick has been often injured since then. In 2021, Chark played just 4 games to start the year and didn’t suit up for a contest for the rest of the season.

If Pittsburgh decided to add a player like Chark, it probably means that they feel comfortable enough with the development of George Pickens to man the ‘X’ position for the Steelers in Johnson’s place. I can’t really see them swapping for a lesser receiver in free agency, but at the very least, they would have more money to go after another big name on the market next year.

It will be interesting to see what Omar Khan and the Steelers decide to do with Johnson’s contract. If they elect to wait on a new extension, perhaps some of these free agents could be options in 2023.