Done Deal: With $167 Million, Arizona Cardinals Set to Sign Steelers Pro Bowl Star Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson, to Bolster Offense.
In a major move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have reached a monumental deal to sign Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver Diontae Johnson to a five-year, $167 million contract. This bold move aims to bolster the Cardinals’ offense, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level in the upcoming seasons. The deal includes significant guaranteed money, making Johnson one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
Johnson, who has become a cornerstone of the Steelers’ passing game since being drafted in 2019, is widely recognized for his exceptional route running, ability to create separation, and playmaking ability. The 2022 Pro Bowl selection has been one of the league’s most consistent receivers, posting multiple seasons with over 80 receptions and showing impressive chemistry with his quarterbacks. His combination of quickness, agility, and hands made him a perfect target for the Cardinals, who have been looking to revamp their receiving corps.
For the Arizona Cardinals, this acquisition could not have come at a better time. The team has been in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Johnson is expected to elevate their offense significantly. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, who took the reins in Arizona earlier in the offseason, has been adamant about surrounding his young quarterback, whether it’s Kyler Murray or a future draft pick, with weapons that can help them thrive. Johnson’s signing is the latest piece of the puzzle in what seems to be a well-thought-out plan for the team’s offensive resurgence.
“Diontae is exactly the type of player we need to take our offense to the next level,” Gannon stated at the press conference announcing the signing. “He brings a unique combination of speed, agility, and football IQ. His ability to create separation and make plays in critical moments will be a huge asset to our team. We are thrilled to have him as a Cardinal.”
While Johnson’s acquisition is undoubtedly a huge victory for the Cardinals, it also represents a shift in the balance of power within the NFC. The Cardinals, who have struggled in recent years to consistently compete, have made it clear that they are serious about becoming contenders once again. With Johnson now in the fold, the team has a legitimate weapon on the outside to complement their offensive line and run game.
For Diontae Johnson, the deal marks a new chapter in his career. After four successful seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he now has the opportunity to step into a new environment and continue his development as one of the league’s elite receivers. The $167 million contract guarantees Johnson financial security for the foreseeable future, but it also places heightened expectations on his shoulders. Cardinals fans are hoping that Johnson can provide the kind of explosive plays that the team has sorely lacked in recent seasons.
In Pittsburgh, Johnson’s departure will leave a significant void in the team’s receiving corps. The Steelers, who are known for their strong defense and hard-nosed play, will now have to rely on the next generation of receivers to step up. Johnson’s skill set—his ability to track deep balls, make plays after the catch, and run precise routes—will be difficult to replace. However, Pittsburgh has historically been successful in developing wide receivers, so the team will look to fill the gap with fresh talent in the draft and free agency.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, securing a top-tier wide receiver like Johnson is a statement of intent. The team’s offense, which has sometimes lacked consistency, now has a reliable and explosive option in the passing game. In addition to Johnson, Arizona has bolstered other key positions in recent seasons, including the offensive line and defense. If the team can find stability at quarterback and continue to build around their offensive weapons, they could soon be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.
The deal also has ripple effects around the league, as it sets a new precedent for the value of wide receivers in the current market. With Johnson now commanding one of the largest contracts for a receiver, other top players at the position are likely to see their asking prices rise, making the market for wide receivers more competitive than ever before.