Smith-Schuster Tabbed As Most Important FA To Bring Back

[Steeler Nation]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are used to have a very deep receiving core. They’ve had plenty of depth dating back to the early 90s when Andre Hastings, Charles Johnson, Ernie Mills, and Yancey Thigpen were catching passes. That didn’t change when it was Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Antwaan Randle El. Then of course Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace, and Emmanuel Sanders.

Last season it was Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and JuJu Smith-Schuster until he went down with a shoulder injury. Now it seems like all signs point to Smith-Schuster making his exit from Pittsburgh after five seasons with the team.


Smith-Schuster returned on a one-year contract to play one more season with Ben Roethlisberger, and hopefully maximize his pay day in 2022. It seemed from the very beginning that Smith-Schuster was doomed to have a let down year. He wanted to play outside more, but the Steelers had other plans. The Steelers wanted him in the slot more, and they forced him to the slot even though he had publicly spoken out against that spot. In the five games prior to being injured he hauled in 15 receptions for 129 yards. What?! Yes. Those are mind-numbing bad for Smith-Schuster.

Yesterday all void years on any NFL contracts across the NFL became officially void. That meant that Smith-Schuster’s 4 void years ultimately became official, making him a free agent at the start of the league year. Now he’s flirted with the idea of joining the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Dallas Cowboys, but NFL.com’s Gil Brandt says that it’s important that the Steelers bring him back.

Brandt broke down every NFL team’s must re-sign player, and this is what he had to say about Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster’s gushing over Dallas and wistful social media post would seem to point toward his exit. The team might not be in a hurry to prioritize keeping a veteran who missed most of 2021 with injury when it’s got a gaping hole to fill at quarterback. But Smith-Schuster is also perhaps the outbound Steeler with the best chance to make a real difference for Pittsburgh in 2022, if he can stay healthy and return to form. And this roster isn’t exactly doomed to the AFC North cellar, provided the right signal-caller can be located. Smith-Schuster is a known quantity to the coaching staff. He could help ensure Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement is able to hit the ground running and keep Pittsburgh competitive.

He makes a lot of good points. The Steelers are going to not only lose Smith-Schuster, but ‘reportedly’ disgruntled receiver James Washington. That will leave plenty of question marks at the position. Signing Smith-Schuster would settle the receivers room to the point they wouldn’t need to make it a priority. You can’t discredit his leadership and will on the football field. He doesn’t get enough credit in those regards.

If the Steelers decide to roll with a young quarterback it might be wise for the Steelers to make Smith-Schuster a long term offer. With his injury he’s not going to get high end money. He’s still young, and you may be able to get him signed at a solid rate for 3 seasons. That will still allow him to get a big deal if he’s able to produce in that time frame.

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[slashsteel]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are used to have a very deep receiving core. They’ve had plenty of depth dating back to the early 90s when Andre Hastings, Charles Johnson, Ernie Mills, and Yancey Thigpen were catching passes. That didn’t change when it was Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Antwaan Randle El. Then of course Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace, and Emmanuel Sanders.

Last season it was Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and JuJu Smith-Schuster until he went down with a shoulder injury. Now it seems like all signs point to Smith-Schuster making his exit from Pittsburgh after five seasons with the team.


Smith-Schuster returned on a one-year contract to play one more season with Ben Roethlisberger, and hopefully maximize his pay day in 2022. It seemed from the very beginning that Smith-Schuster was doomed to have a let down year. He wanted to play outside more, but the Steelers had other plans. The Steelers wanted him in the slot more, and they forced him to the slot even though he had publicly spoken out against that spot. In the five games prior to being injured he hauled in 15 receptions for 129 yards. What?! Yes. Those are mind-numbing bad for Smith-Schuster.

Yesterday all void years on any NFL contracts across the NFL became officially void. That meant that Smith-Schuster’s 4 void years ultimately became official, making him a free agent at the start of the league year. Now he’s flirted with the idea of joining the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Dallas Cowboys, but NFL.com’s Gil Brandt says that it’s important that the Steelers bring him back.

Brandt broke down every NFL team’s must re-sign player, and this is what he had to say about Smith-Schuster.



He makes a lot of good points. The Steelers are going to not only lose Smith-Schuster, but ‘reportedly’ disgruntled receiver James Washington. That will leave plenty of question marks at the position. Signing Smith-Schuster would settle the receivers room to the point they wouldn’t need to make it a priority. You can’t discredit his leadership and will on the football field. He doesn’t get enough credit in those regards.

If the Steelers decide to roll with a young quarterback it might be wise for the Steelers to make Smith-Schuster a long term offer. With his injury he’s not going to get high end money. He’s still young, and you may be able to get him signed at a solid rate for 3 seasons. That will still allow him to get a big deal if he’s able to produce in that time frame.

Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..

Juju won't be pricey to retain. They can bring in an upgrade for Washington while they are at it...that wouldn't be that pricey either.