This offseason, a number of wide receivers have received large salary increases; Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Diontae Johnson, a wide receiver that the Panthers acquired via trade in March after the Pittsburgh Steelers declined to offer him a contract extension, has observed just that during the last several months. He is therefore anticipating his next paycheck.
Johnson is about to enter the last year of his contract, but he needs to improve this season if he wants to get paid like a wide receiver again.
In 14 games in 2023, the 27-year-old hauled in 51 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns while starting quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and Kenny Pickett alternated.
That’s not awful at all considering the situation, but if he wants to get paid more next offseason, he must at least get back to his 2021 level of 1,161 yards as a 1,000-yard receiver.
Johnson is just concerned with making plays when he has the chance since he is aware of this.
“If I press, that’s gonna throw my game off and I’m doing stuff I don’t normally do out there trying to make plays,” Johnson stated. “But just gotta stay relaxed, just keep being humble, make my plays.”
Johnson’s chances of success will mostly depend on how much of a leap quarterback Bryce Young can make in his upcoming second season. There’s a decent probability Johnson will receive the desired deal if he does.
“If they feel like they want to extend me, then I’m all for it,” Johnson said.
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