Welcome David Johnson TE

[Panama]

Can they cut Phillips now?

They won't. Johnson replaces McClain, not Phillips.

[oneinchpunch]

They may not cut him now....but....Johnson should take his spot.

He should take Phillips and McClain's spot. Phillips was supposed to be the blocking TE and he sucked. And now he's coming off a torn ACL. Best to just dump him as soon as possible.

[Beerman]

He should take Phillips and McClain's spot. Phillips was supposed to be the blocking TE and he sucked. And now he's coming off a torn ACL. Best to just dump him as soon as possible.

Very well could happen, but it won't till TC.

[Beerman]

Wether you appreciated the fact a late-round draft pick earned his way into regular playing time through versatility, or you blamed him for his role in the Rashard Mendenhall fumble during their loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV; few Pittsburgh Steelers fans will forget the name David Johnson.

Johnson was a tight end-turned full back-turned back to a tight end during his stay in Pittsburgh. Former offensive coordinator used Johnson as a hybird of the two. Head coach Mike Tomlin and current OC Todd Haley admired his blocking ability at both standard spots. Evidently, they weren't the only ones who appreciated what Johnson brought to the table.


With Heath Miller receiving a contract extension recently and Matt Spaeth under contract for the upcoming season to be the second TE, the Steelers probably weren't offering much incentive for Johnson to stay. While terms of his new deal have yet to be disclosed, Johnson was most likely just looking to extend his tumultuous young career.

If Johnson's health can hold up in San Diego, his blocking proficiency could become an asset to a team struggling to maintain an identity in the run game to open up more opportunities for Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen and the passing game. Johnson proved in Pittsburgh he also has capable hands as a receiver, and could be utilized as a red zone and short yardage threat while defenses key on Allen and Antonio Gates.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh will move on without Johnson. Will Johnson has put a chokehold on the fullback position, and the team team will most likely look to the draft or free agency to fill out the bottom of their depth chart.

Johnson won't be remembered as a marquee name of the Steelers modern championship era, but he did become an integral part of those teams. Not bad for a player drafted low with expectations to match.

From the Steel curtain

[Beerman]

A lot of the fans are saying he's injury prone, but was a very solid blocker and a reason for their running success. Nothing to do cartwheels over, just another solid piece.

[Beerman]

http://www.chargers.com/multimedia/videos/1-on-1-with-New-Tight-End-David-Johnson/32675660-1b44-45fc-82d9-3a7843e25e27

Dude looks pretty built.

[Steve]

Given how many times we got into the red zone and got nothing, plus the number of times we had to kick, this is outstanding news. However, it probably only shows up in the points scored part of the stats sheet. I don't think he does that much, except maybe some late game 2 TE sets and some misc short yardage sets.

Now the guy who I hope pushed Phillips out of a job is Bryne, the kid we got from the Texans who filled in for Phillips, after the knee injury. Then line Johnson up at FB, run behind Bryne as a true TE, we might be able to score some TD's in the red zone.

[Formula 21]

Hello Ground Chuck.

[Antonio's Gates]

Meh. Understand the move but still...meh

[Steve]

What don't you like about the move?

[Mister Hoarse]

Time to shake hands with this Johnsons

[TTK]

Works for me!