Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster’s comments suggests he could remain in Pittsburgh

JuJu Smith-Schuster could remain in Pittsburgh for well past the 2020 season. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to decide if they want to replenish or rebuild. After starting the year off 11-0, everything spiraled out of control, ending in a Wild Card round loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Pittsburgh could bring back Ben Roethlisberger for one final season on a renewed contract. That would free up the cap space for them to be able to spend money on several free agents.

JuJu Smith-Schuster should be a name that draws plenty of interest in free agency. He also could be brought back to Pittsburgh in 2021. However, according to a comment from JuJu himself, it seems as if he’s content with his current situation.

Is Pittsburgh getting a hometown discount from their standout receiver?

For the Steelers to bring back Smith-Schuster, it would have to be on a quality deal that benefits both parties. The 24-year-old hasn’t lived up to his breakout 2018 season with Antonio Brown now on a different roster. That year, he tallied 111 receptions, 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

In two seasons since Brown’s departure, Smith-Schuster has combined for 1,383 total yards off 139 receptions and 12 touchdowns. Second-year standout Diontae Johnson became the playmaker in Pittsburgh’s high-tempo passing offense, averaging 10.5 yards per catch.

Smith-Schuster will come with tons of off-the-field antics as well. Last season, the fourth-year pro went viral for dancing on opposing teams’ logos and taunting them on the social media app Tik Tok.

Is it worth the headache for the Steelers? That will be based on price. Just because Roethlisberger loves Smith-Schuster doesn’t mean he should be brought back even on a one-year deal.

The grass might be greener on this side of the tracks, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be looking for better pastures by March.