While speaking with the media, Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said that WR Diontae Johnson was not a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and that it was not his decision for Johnson to do less on the field than his teammates.
Fantasy Impact: Johnson has made it clear that he desires a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. After practice Wednesday, Johnson said, “I want to be here long-term, but that’s up to them”. Tomlin’s comments imply that Johnson is choosing to not fully participate due to his frustrations regarding his contract status, so his practice and participation status may be something that fantasy managers need to monitor as the season approaches. Numerous reports this offseason have indicated that it’s unlikely that the Steelers will be able to pay Johnson market value, as he’s likely to command a contract in the $20-25 million range after several big-name WRs received large contracts earlier this offseason. The Steelers used two early to mid-round picks in April’s NFL Draft to select WRs George Pickens and Calvin Austin, a sign that the team may be bracing for Johnson’s departure after this season.
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