Diontae Johnson arrived at the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp on time but had been sitting out practices while seeking a new contract. 

He will now be reporting to practice after signing an extension with the Steelers with a new three-year contract on Thursday. 

The 26-year-old Johnson was entering the final season of his rookie deal, and in his new contract he’ll be paid $36.71million over the next two years, according to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. 

"I felt it in my gut it was the right move for me and my family," Johnson said. "I am just glad to get back to work. I love being a Steeler. I love it here. Just being around my teammates, the atmosphere, the energy they show every day. I feel like I made the right choice to continue to be here for a long time." 

The extension includes $27million guaranteed, and Johnson will be able to hit free agency in 2025, giving him an opportunity to sign another big deal when he’s still in his prime if he’s able to replicate the success he enjoyed last season. 

Johnson had a career year in 2021, tying for fifth in the NFL in receptions (107, along with Mark Andrews) and ranking 10th in receiving yards (1,161) while hauling in eight touchdown receptions to earn a Pro Bowl selection. 

Selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft, Johnson has 254 career receptions – the most for anyone drafted in 2019 – for 2,767 yards and 20 touchdowns. 

Finalising a new deal early in camp was important for the Steelers as it will give Johnson time to work on his chemistry with the three quarterbacks vying for the starting job in Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and rookie Kenny Pickett following the retirement of future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger.