According to Pro Football Reference, Johnson averaged 86 catches, 963 yards and six touchdowns per 17 games in Pittsburgh. In 2021, he earned Pro Bowl honors after catching 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns on a stunning 169 targets.

His numbers have declined somewhat since then, due in part to inconsistent quarterback play in Pittsburgh in 2022 and 2023.

However, Russell Wilson did well in Pittsburgh, going 6-2 while completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 13 touchdowns (just three interceptions) and 1,912 yards (8.1 YPA).

Johnson could find success again in Pittsburgh, and he may have the opportunity to do so.

George Pickens is clearly the best pass catcher in Pittsburgh, but he will miss three straight games with a hamstring injury after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Ravens. Calvin Austin III made some big plays as a WR2 with 452 receiving yards and four touchdowns, but he also caught just 28 passes in 14 games. No other Steeler wide receiver has more than 231 yards.

Johnson can be productive, consistent and reliable for Wilson, soaking up targets and becoming one of the two best receivers down the stretch. Notably, Johnson had a drop issue in 2020 in particular, but that has since been resolved. Daniel Valente of The Score noted this last March.