Report: Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Doesn’t Report For Optional Workouts

Steelers star wide receiver Diontae Johnson did not report for the voluntary offseason workouts on Monday, according to a report by Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 the Fan.

A lot of veterans do not report to the voluntary workouts here in Pittsburgh. So, that in itself is not a super noteworthy nugget of information. Johnson is in the last year of his contract, and will be looking for a pay raise. That much makes sense to be looking for a good contract. While it was not a direct quote tweet of the report, it seems Johnson responded to it via two subtweets.

Don’t believe everything you see lol

— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) April 18, 2022

If they don’t have a story.. they gone make one 🤷🏾‍♂️

— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) April 18, 2022

That could mean that Johnson is actually in Pittsburgh at the voluntary workouts. It could also mean that this is being out to make more than it actually is overall. Johnson’s absence could just mean he has a place he likes to work out at and is not going to actually sit out anything meaningful with his contract situation looming over the head of the organization and himself. Johnson did send out a tweet earlier that caused people to speculate, however.

Lmaoo it be ya own “fans” 🤣🤷🏾‍♂️

— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) April 18, 2022

Truly, it is not that crazy to see this entire situation playing out because Johnson wants a contract. That is not a crazy demand, either. It is certainly possible that Johnson returns to the team and does a modified offseason like T.J. Watt did last year. He could also sit out the entire offseason and return sometime during the preseason like Le’Veon Bell did prior to the 2017 season. Regardless, it is likely Johnson just wants a new deal in this all. Whether he sits out or reports, that is the fact of the matter.

Now, Johnson may have to wait until the business is done with Minkah Fitzpatrick to get his negotiations rolling. However, with a new general manager slated to come into the organization, the Steelers could do multiple contract negotiations at once and even during the season. It is yet to be seen how that new general manager will operate.