Considering recent precedent, was Diontae Johnson's Steelers contract struck with long-term future in mind?

Diontae Johnson’s time with the Pittsburgh Steelers doesn’t have to end when his new contract extension expires following the 2024 season. At least that appears to be the sentiment of the team’s general manager Omar Khan.

Last week, Johnson signed a two-year, $36.7 million extension, which gave him a $17 million signing bonus and pledges $27 million in guarantees. The wide receiver was about to enter the final year of his entry-level contract.

Speaking Tuesday on 105.9 The X, Khan said extending Johnson was done with an eye toward the long term — and not just the two years beyond the end of his first deal.

“We thought it was important for us to keep him around for the next couple years at least and hopefully for longer. He brings a lot to the table. We are excited to have him here,” Khan told host Mark Madden.

If Khan is serious about that notion — and should it come to fruition — it would certainly be noteworthy for the Steelers franchise. After all, the team has rarely given multi-year second contract extensions to wide receivers. Even good ones such as Mike Wallace and Plaxico Burress left after their first contracts. Last season, JuJu Smith-Schuster was brought back for one season after his first deal expired. But only after testing free agency.

Johnson’s contract could be viewed as somewhat of a bridge deal. Receivers such as Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown and Davante Adams all signed contacts of at least four to five years for more money with new teams after being traded.

Johnson’s contract was shorter and for less money to stay with his current team. Via Spotrac.com, Johnson’s $18.355 million average annual value slots him 17th among NFL wide receivers. The $27 million guaranteed at signing is 22nd. But he’ll still be able to hit free agency again at 29 years old.

While precedent is rare for the Steelers to give out a second contract to a wide receiver, those that have gotten such an extension have also gotten third deals at that age.

Antonio Brown signed his third contract with the Steelers — a four-year, $68 million agreement— at 29. Hines Ward’s four-year $25 million contract prior to the 2005 season was also negotiated as Ward was turning 29.

Khan seems to think Johnson could be worth a continued investment.

“He’s an exciting player, brings a lot of energy to us. We value him as a football player. But we also value him as a teammate and a leader in the locker room,” Khan said.

Khan specifically seems to like how Johnson’s presence rounds out the receiving corps.

“We really do like the group. We have big guys. Little guys. Fast guys. Not so fast guys. They all complement each other well. He’s a big piece of the puzzle that we feel is important to have around,” Khan continued.

One major difference between Johnson and those other two longtime Steelers receivers is that Ward and Brown both played with Ben Roethlisberger in his prime. Johnson’s productivity over the next few seasons will be dependent upon what the Steelers do in their attempts to find Big Ben’s successor.

That’s a variable that could play into the equation of everyone’s future with the Steelers, including Johnson’s.

And for that matter, Khan’s as well.