5 Steelers that may not fit the new direction of the team

Diontae Johnson could be playing his last season with the Steelers

Omar Khan has not shied away from getting busy when it comes to locking up players long-term. He did just that with star safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick almost immediately after being elevated to his GM spot. That was a smart move then and now the Steelers still have other players currently sitting in their final year with the club.

Diontae Johnson is one of those players heading into a contract year and is seeking a new deal. He is asking for big money after this past offseason showed a giant boom with how much the position is making right now. The current rate for a star number one receiver in the NFL usually starts around the $20 million per year mark.

Pittsburgh has been neglecting that reality as they do not seem to want to go above $18 million per year for a top target on offense. Give Johnson credit, he is still showing up and putting hard work in to hopefully get rewarded. He has been rumored to be in trade talks, but that does not seem to be a reality now.

This marriage between player and the Steelers seems like it will go its separate ways after the season concludes. Johnson is a great receiver but giving him that kind of money could backfire for the team if he does not continue at his current production rate. Khan does not seem interested in paying a receiver the kind of money that this player is going to command.