3 biggest things to root for at Steelers training camp 2022

No Diontae Johnson ‘hold-in’ at Steelers camp

After showing up halfway through voluntary OTAs, Diontae Johnson arrived at Steelers mandatory minicamp on time. However, it’s hard to gauge his motive. This was necessary for Johnson to do as he would have lost money for each day absent.

Sadly, his presence at minicamp doesn’t guarantee fans that he won’t consider a ‘hold-in’ during Steelers training camp this year. While Johnson certainly doesn’t have the same leverage as a player like T.J. Watt (who sat out the entire 2021 training camp and preseason awaiting his new contract), a hold-in could be something that Johnson’s agent advises him to do in an effort to avoid a major injury before he gets his money.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have ways of making a new extension work and they are set to have over $37.6 million in cap space next season. Considering that Johnson has clearly been their top receiver over the past two seasons, Pittsburgh isn’t going to want him to sit out all of the training camp — especially when he needs to start developing chemistry with his new quarterbacks.

Johnson finished the 2021 season on a low note — dropping 7 passes in the final 7 games (including the playoff loss to the Chiefs). Despite being the top receiving option on the team, he could use the reps with his new QB this summer.

If all three of these things can happen, Steelers fans should be very pleased heading into the 2022 season. This would certainly be a big step in the right direction for a very positive outlook on the future of the team.