LATROBE, Pa. -- The big news out of training camp Thursday was the end of Diontae Johnson's hold-in as the star receiver signed a two-year, $36.71-million extension, keeping him in Pittsburgh through 2024.
Dale Lolley has much more on Johnson's signing, but it was clear having him back in practice was a breath of fresh air for not only the offense, but for him as well.
While other receivers around the league received long, hefty contracts, Johnson was steadfast and was prepared to hold-in until Week 1 in hopes of the right contract for him. While his two-year, $36.71-million extension doesn't match the money paid to several other top receivers in the game, Johnson says he was more than satisfied with the figure after prayer and conversation with those close to him.
Now, it's time to get "back to work."
"I was ready to get back out there," Johnson said. "I was trying to come back slowly, do a little more here and there.
"I wanted to be around my teammates. I don’t want to bring bad energy to the team, nobody wants to be around that. I just want to be there for my teammates each day, and not have an attitude because that’s not how you carry yourself through this process."
Johnson has taken a significant step forward in each of his first three seasons in the NFL. Last year, his 107 receptions tied Mark Andrews for fifth in the NFL while his 1,161 yards were 10th. Yet, his average of $18.355 million per season is only 17th among the game's receivers.
"I felt like I took the right deal," Johnson said. "I’m not worried about what everybody else is making. You see the market is up there, but I felt this was the right deal for me. I prayed about it, and I feel good."
Johnson stayed in contact with Mike Tomlin throughout the hold-in process. While the 26-year-old receiver held out during team drills on the field, Johnson earned praise from his coaches and teammates with how engaged he was in every other facet of the game, especially in meetings.
But, getting Johnson back as a full participant in practice can't be understated.
"He’s a significant piece," Tomlin said. "He’s done a good job of staying connected throughout the process. His train left the station today. I imagine there’s not going to be much of a transition in terms of him getting up to speed. I know he was excited about work today."
Nope, it didn't take long for Johnson to show how ready he is in spite of the hold-in. During one-on-ones with receivers and defensive backs, Johnson made James Pierre look silly with a little dig route on the sideline, hesitating shortly at the start of the route, then broke off at the top of the route with great separation.
Throughout the rest of practice, it was much of the same Diontae we witnessed in 2021. A lot of clean routes with good hands, regardless of the coverage.
For all parties involved, getting this done sooner rather than later was always the way to go. The contract stuff is behind them. Now, it's time to solely focus on football.
"It was a relief for me, just to get it done and get back out there with my brothers," Johnson said. "It was a blessing. So, I’m happy."
• The Steelers had to battle the elements throughout Thursday's practice. The humidity at the beginning made low-80s feel more like the inside of a sauna. Some players did deal with some issues with the heat, but Tomlin embraces adversity in all forms.
"I always appreciate heat and muggy conditions," Tomlin said. "I think that aids the team developmental process, and so we’ll take care of those guys, and we’ll continue to go on with this process."
The Steelers were also forced to abandon their final 11 snaps of the day as storms began to roll through Latrobe and lightning grew closer and closer to Chuck Noll Field.
• Matt Canada was visibly -- and loudly -- coaching his quarterbacks during drills with the receivers. A lot of Canada's emphasis was on timing with the receiver during certain routes. That's the most engaged I've seen Canada in my several days at Saint Vincent College thus far.
• Anthony McFarland had a nice day at the office. While he was a tad off on a couple routes out of the backfield, he made a fine catch on a deep throw from Mason Rudolph, having to come back to the ball against Devin Bush in coverage. There was very little wrong with Bush's coverage. Just a great catch by McFarland.
McFarland's highlight of the day came on a sweep to the right, where he accelerated through two defenders, then got another defender leaning with a quick move upfield. He then turned on the jets and nobody caught him. It probably would have been a touchdown in a live game.
• The Steelers activated Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Non-Football Injury List, and he was a limited participant Thursday. Fitzpatrick wore his helmet and pads for the first time since training camp opened, but later took them off and went back to standing off to the side before live tackling started during team drills.
• While Fitzpatrick returned, the secondary took another hit. Cam Sutton left practice early with what Tomlin described as a lower-body injury, though it looked like a potential knee injury. He is being further evaluated, but any knee issue is something to be concerned about until a prognosis is revealed.
• Levi Wallace (illness) returned to practice and participated throughout the team drills.
• Najee Harris (foot), Chase Claypool (shoulder) and Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) were on the field and engaged with the team, but did not suit up or participate in practice. Nothing serious here. Just obvious use of caution with three critical components of the offense.
• Marcus Allen (hamstring) and Miles Killebrew (pectoral) were not seen on the field. Killebrew has at least been doing some running on the side, so he appears to be on the road back. Allen's prognosis looks to be a bit longer.
• T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi were given veteran off days. That made things a little easier on the offense.
• For much more on the quarterback competition, check out our QB tracker.
