Mike Tomlin’s comments reveal exactly how the Steelers view Diontae Johnson

Baltimore Ravens receiver Diontae Johnson’s career has taken quite a turn over the past year.

After five seasons as one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' top wide receivers, Johnson was traded in the offseason to the Carolina Panthers. But just a few months later, Johnson found himself on the move again, this time to an AFC North rival: the Baltimore Ravens. With Johnson now on the Ravens’ roster, many expected his Week 11 showdown against Pittsburgh to be a major storyline.

However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had a different take when asked about game-planning for his former receiver.

Tomlin, who is never one to mince words, gave a blunt response that sent a clear message about how Pittsburgh views Johnson’s move to Baltimore. Instead of focusing on his former wideout, Tomlin suggested Johnson wasn’t a primary concern, mentioning other “significant pieces” that were commanding his attention this week.

This comment, though subtle, hinted at how the Steelers may feel about Johnson’s role and impact on Baltimore’s offense. After two quiet games with the Ravens, Johnson has yet to find his stride, and his limited involvement has raised questions about where he fits into Baltimore’s crowded offense.

Mike Tomlin’s sly dig at Johnson shows Ravens have bigger threats

In a press conference, Tomlin didn’t hold back when asked about preparing to face Johnson. “To be honest with you, I hadn’t thought a lot about it,” he told reporters, adding, “They’ve got more significant pieces with larger roles that occupy my attention.”

With that, Tomlin made it clear he’s not losing sleep over Johnson’s return, suggesting the Ravens’ other weapons, like Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers, are far bigger threats.

For Johnson, who was a mainstay in Pittsburgh’s passing game for years, Tomlin’s response may have felt like a slight. Since joining Baltimore, Johnson has only been targeted 22 times over two games, as the Ravens have focused on developing other offensive options. And with wide receiver Tylan Wallace putting up an impressive 115-yard performance against the Bengals, Johnson’s path to consistent playing time seems uncertain.

While Baltimore’s front office may have seen Johnson as a valuable addition to their offensive depth, it’s becoming clear that he’ll need to step up to earn a larger role.

As Tomlin’s comments suggest, the Ravens have bigger offensive pieces to lean on, leaving Johnson fighting to prove his worth on a stacked roster. Whether he can break out against his old team this Sunday remains to be seen, but for now, he’s not the primary focus for a Pittsburgh team determined to keep pace in the AFC North.

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