While some things are different, some things remain the same as the Pittsburgh Steelers begin their second week of training camp. The Steelers held a pad practice on Monday for the first time since setting up shop at St. Vincent College last week. But like last week, the Steelers continued to hold practice without the on-field presence of Diontae Johnson, who continues his “hold-in” after not getting a long-term deal this offseason.
It should be noted that Johnson performed more on Monday than in previous camp practices. Along with individual work, Johnson served as a defensive back with the crew catching passes from the quarterbacks (h/t K. Chris Adamski Tribune Review). Despite this, Johnson continued to not participate in team practices, something that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.
“We’ll see what happens tomorrow,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Johnson’s status for Tuesday’s practice. way to Josh Rowntree of 93.7 The Fan.
Johnson has made it clear he wants a new deal. He did not participate in the first week of OTAs but did appear in the second week. He participated in the team’s mandatory minicamp and arrived in time for training camp. Shortly after reaching the camp, Johnson raised questions. regarding his contract status as well as his future with the Steelers.
“I mean, I want to be here,” Johnson told reporters. “I want to be here long-term. It’s up to them. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing.”
Johnson is coming off a 2021 season that saw him earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time. His success last year certainly led to an increase in the market value of his current project, which according to Spotrac is $86 million over four years for an annual average of $21.5 million. Johnson — who is entering the final year of his rookie contract — is scheduled to receive a base salary of $2.79 million through the 2022 season.
The clock is ticking for Johnson to get a new deal, as the Steelers typically don’t handle contracts once the regular season begins. With Johnson not participating in team practices, and Chase Claypool out with a shoulder injury, rookies George Pickens and Calvin Austin III have taken full advantage of their increased opportunities. Claypool recently announced that Pickens is going to be. The NFL’s top rookie receivers this season.
Pickens, a second-round pick out of Georgia, echoed Claypool’s comments as he continues to work through his first NFL training camp.
“I didn’t really hear any of the fellows say anything,” Pickens told the team’s website. “They just keep telling me what I’m doing. I feel like I’ve had a good first week.
“I just keep working. I said the same thing at the combine. I probably say the same thing in every interview. I just keep working.”
