Johnston served as a No. 5 wearer in 2024–2025 era before Ramsey’s upgrade, marking another thread in the No. 5 Steelers lineage and highlighting the value of reliable punting and special-teams production within the franchise’s history.

Johnston is part of the punter battle that prompts a cap-savvy shift toward Weightman. The final decision is framed as a net win for the Steelers’ cap management, with Weightman’s $3M price tag cited as a reason for the swap.

Johnston was released by the Steelers after a punt competition with Waitman, creating immediate free-agent buzz. The move surprised many who pegged him as the clear starter, and it raises questions about hang time, accuracy, and whether contract considerations influenced the decision. His release also removes a potential trade asset as Pittsburgh moves forward with Waitman.

Johnston’s exit trims one of the Steelers’ steady punting options, upsetting the field-position calculus as the club trims to 53. The move signals a shift toward younger or different-valued specialists, with implications for preseason punting reps and post-season planning.

Johnston edges out Waitman to win the Steelers' punting job, giving Pittsburgh a stable specialist for field position. His consistency is key to favorable starting field positions and a defense that can capitalize on favorable drives.