5 Steelers that need to step up their game heading into a contract year

Diontae Johnson needs to put a full season together for the Steelers

Diontae Johnson is a player that many will be paying close attention to during training camp and the pre-season. He is a star receiver for the Steelers and is currently seeking a new deal with the club. He saw all the other top receivers in the league getting paid and he wants his pay raise now.

His stats are something that can be easily compared to these other receivers that are currently being paid a lot of money. Terry McLaurin just re-signed with the Washington Commanders on a three-year deal worth around $71 million. That should mean that Johnson will be searching for a deal that starts around the $20 million per year mark.

No one should be blaming him for asking that price in this type of market for his position. Another thing that the Steelers need to consider is that there are no options in free agency in 2023 that come close to this players caliber. That should be something they consider when they decide if they want to bring this player back or not.

It seems like they will be content with letting this player prove himself again before negotiating a new contract with him. Johnson has had some up and down moments during his career and showing steady play this season will cement him a nice pay raise. He could even be a franchise tag candidate if the two sides cannot work out a new deal.

The Steelers have a lot of talented players that could be hitting the free agency market after 2022 concludes. The club will likely retain some of these names but they will have to earn that pay check.