Beloved Former Steelers Unsigned After Cleveland Workout — Issues Emotional Plea to Return to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pa. — August 29, 2025 — Veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson finds himself on the open market once again after being released by the Cleveland Browns during final roster cutdowns. And now, with his NFL future in question, the former Steelers standout has publicly expressed a desire to reunite with Pittsburgh, the team that drafted him and where he spent the first five seasons of his career.
Johnson, 28, was a staple of the Steelers’ passing attack from 2019–23, amassing over 4,300 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns while serving as a trusted target for both Ben Roethlisberger and Kenny Pickett. Known for his precise route running and ability to create separation, Johnson earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and was often seen as the steadying force in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.
From a football standpoint, Johnson would profile as a veteran complement to the Steelers’ younger playmakers. With George Pickens ascending into a WR1 role and Calvin Austin still developing, Johnson’s experience and chemistry with the Steelers’ system could add reliability and depth to a unit that struggled with consistency last season. Any reunion would likely come via a team-friendly, incentive-laden deal, keeping roster flexibility intact while adding a familiar presence.
In a message directed to Steelers Nation, Johnson struck an emotional tone:
“Pittsburgh was more than just football to me—it was home. The fans, the coaches, the city itself… that’s where I grew up in this league. I made plays in black and gold that I’ll never forget, and even when I left, a part of me stayed at Heinz Field. If the call comes, I’d run back without hesitation. I want to put the ‘Steelers’ across my chest again and finish what I started.”
As of publication, the Steelers have not announced any transaction involving Johnson. The organization is expected to continue evaluating its roster as Week 1 approaches, but the possibility of a reunion with a familiar face looms large.
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