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Diontae Johnson, Steelers Agree To Two-Year $36 Million Extension
Diontae Johnson was a hold-in at training camp practices in search of a new contract and now he has what he wants.

Johnson and the Steelers agreed to a two-year, $36 million contract extension, according to multiple reports.

The 26-year-old Johnson was heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The short-term deal gives him a salary boost immediately and allows him to hit free agency while he’s still in his prime.

The Steelers took Johnson in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft and back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard seasons proved Johnson could be a go-to target -- when he's focused.

Last season, for example, his 107 catches tied for fifth-most in the NFL. His 1,161 receiving yards ranked 10th.

But as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted, Johnson's production dropped significantly late last season.

He averaged six catches for 41 yards in the final five games, including the playoff loss to Kansas City. He dropped passes. He ran the wrong patterns. With Johnson heading into the final year of his rookie contract and eligible to seek a new contract, the timing wasn't great.

That said, his three-season numbers compare favorably to the other receivers taken in the 2019 draft, including Marquise Brown, Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf and Terry McLaurin -- all of whom already received new deals.

Johnson's 254 catches rank first among that group, his 2,764 receiving yards and 20 touchdown catches fourth.

It should be noted Johnson reached those figures playing with a declining Ben Roethlisberger the past two seasons and with Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges in 2019. He also did it in what was largely a dink-and-dunk offense. A new quarterback could unlock more deep targets for the speed threat with good route-running ability this season.

Even if you don't believe in Mitchell Trubisky, Johnson's strong history of high-end production should keep him on your radar. Don't be afraid to invest at the right price.