Mike Tomlin’s ‘volunteers, not hostages’ stance could play out with Steelers WR Diontae Johnson
It sounds increasingly like Kenny Pickett will start the 2024 season as the Pittsburgh Steelers QB1, and if Diontae Johnson doesn’t like it, there’s the door.
Dating back to (at least) the Le’Veon Bell situation in 2018, Mike Tomlin has been noted for his phrase: “We need volunteers, not hostages.” Bell, Antonio Brown, and many other Steelers since have been proof of that.
That could be the scenario that plays out in the coming weeks as the Steelers start adding new names to the roster via NFL free agency and the draft.
Johnson has already made it evident he wants Mason Rudolph to start for the Steelers, which will make things mightly awkward this offseason. The fifth-year receiver might consider mending fences with Pickett, or things can quickly go from bad to worse.
Chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers is paramount in this league. If Johnson heads into the offseason without an open mind, it’ll make learning and working on Arthur Smith‘s new offense with Pickett all the more challenging. He might as well be catching passes from a QB in different colors.
Extending Johnson was one of Omar Khan’s first internal moves when he took over for Kevin Colbert in 2022. But don’t think for a minute he’s afraid to trade him if they foresee Johnson further becoming a distraction in the locker room.
There’s only one year left on Johnson’s deal. The Steelers might as well get something in return for him while they can.
