NFL Rumors: Mike Tomlin addresses Diontae Johnson's lackluster effort
The Pittsburgh Steelers netted an impressive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last week in the team's first game post-Matt Canada. It was the Steelers' best offensive performance of the season, with Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris both posting season-high yardage totals. The Steelers managed 421 yards collectively. The team never reached the 400-yard threshold under Canada.
And yet, it wasn't all positive. Diontae Johnson has struggled to live up to his WR1 billing this season, and Sunday was yet another extension of his pass-catching woes. Johnson caught only four of eight targets, with a notable drop in the end zone and one viral instance of extremely poor effort on the next play.
Johnson stood idly while a live fumble was picked up and returned by the Bengals' defense. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin briefly spoke about Johnson in his weekly press conference. He used his platform to encourage Johnson to address the matter with teammates and the media.
"We've got to take care of the ball... Diontae can't let the emotions of the previous down affect his next down, but I'll give him an opportunity to address that with you guys. I'll give him an opportunity to address that with his teammates. I'm not going to add any additional color."
Johnson isn't the only Steelers wideout to show visible frustration with the offense. George Pickens went on a viral social media campaign earlier in the season. But, that was before Canada got canned. The Steelers' offense as a whole looked meaningfully better in Week 12, so the burden falls on Johnson to improve his demeanor and contribute more productively.
The Steelers will face a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals defense on Sunday, a prime opportunity for Johnson to get back in the groove.
NFL Rumors: Packers legend Mason Crosby works out for Saints' kicker job
The Green Bay Packers parted ways with kicker Mason Crosby, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, at the end of last season. It's not as though the 39-year-old didn't deliver — he converted 86.2 percent of his field goal attempts (25-of-29) last season, including a perfect 18-for-18 on attempts inside 40 yards — but the Packers ultimately opted for youth, selecting Auburn's Anders Carlson in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
With his job of 16 years no longer available, Crosby has been patiently waiting for a new opportunity. Now, he may get his shot.
According to Nick Underhill of the NOF Network, the New Orleans Saints worked out a group of kickers on Tuesday. Crosby was part of that group. The Saints' current kicker, Blake Grupe, was limited at practice Thursday with a right groin injury after he put all 15 of the Saints' scored points against the Falcons last week through the uprights.
In 11 games, Grupe — an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame — has converted 24 of 30 field goal attempts, with only one miss on 13 attempts inside 40 yards. One has to imagine Crosby would operate as no more than a temporary stopgap in the event of Grupe's absence. It's not common for NFL teams to roster multiple active kickers.
Crosby has certainly earned another NFL opportunity. He has been one of the NFL's most reliable kickers for the better part of two decades. Age is a factor working against Crosby at this point, but last season's success is proof that he can still split the uprights at a healthy clip.
NFL Rumors: Shaq Leonard to make free agent decision "over the weekend"
The Indianapolis Colts waived 28-year-old Shaquille Leonard last week. The move came as a shock, as Leonard started in all nine of his appearances prior to the move. A former second-round pick, Leonard has three Pro Bowl nominations and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award on his résumé.
Leonard amassed 65 tackles in his nine games, but he has generally not performed up to expectations since 2021, when he underwent back surgery. The former Colt appeared in only three games last season and his ability to apply pressure has diminished.
Still, there's natural interest around the league in a player of Leonard's stature who is still theoretically in his prime window. Leonard led the NFL in forced fumbles (eight) in 2021 and he led the league in tackles (163) in 2018. His history of strong production earned him workouts with the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. A decision on his next home is expected "over the weekend."
One could argue that Leonard is choosing between the NFC frontrunners. The Cowboys' defense has allowed the third-fewest yards per game in the NFL this season. The Eagles' defensive depth is well-documented. Leonard probably won't step directly into a starting role with either franchise, but he warrants practice reps and a legitimate opportunity to play.
If Leonard can recapture his pre-surgery magic, his next team is going to be extremely content. It's only natural to want to join a contender. The Eagles and Cowboys both have a realistic shot at the Super Bowl; Leonard is still equipped to contribute at the highest level, even if he's not as consistently or reliably dominant as his early years.
