JuJu Smith-Schuster says Packers were in mix to sign him this offseason

In an exclusive interview with FanSided, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster revealed that the Green Bay Packers were in the mix to sign him.

At the start of the new league year, the football world kept its eyes on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who hit free agency. After exploring his options, Smith-Schuster decided to re-sign with the Steelers on a one-year contract. We know the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens were in the mix for his services, but there was apparently one more team in the running.

In an exclusive interview with FanSided, Smith-Schuster revealed that the Green Bay Packers expressed interest in signing him. However, the wide receiver noted the team had no money left after the team re-signed running back Aaron Jones.

“They were until Aaron [Jones] signed. There was no money left after that,” said Smith-Schuster.

Packers: Green Bay was in the running for JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason

With this update from Smith-Schuster, Packers fans are no doubt wondering if signing the wide receiver could have prevented the drama going on currently between the team and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Considering the Packers had minimal spending money entering the offseason, general manager Brian Gutekunst had to choose between keeping either center Corey Linsley or Jones. The Packers’ star running back won out, as he earned a four-year, $48 million contract. As for Linsley, he received a $62.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers on a five-year pact.

Smith-Schuster was coming off an impressive 2020 season, where he caught 97 of 128 targets for 831 yards and nine touchdowns, the latter of which was a career-high. In the Steelers’ Wild Card Round game against the Cleveland Browns, Smith-Schuster recorded 13 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown in the 48-37 loss.

After entertaining his options, Smith-Schuster decided to re-up with Pittsburgh on a one-year, $8 million deal. With another strong campaign in 2021, the wide receiver should command a lucrative contract next offseason.

So there you have it, Packers fans: The team was interested in signing Smith-Schuster this offseason. But it never came to fruition.

JuJu has signed a new contract of sorts—with Charmin. He is helping the toilet paper brand reveal groundbreaking AI technology to help people enjoy the go like never before. (Don’t worry, we’ve come a long way since the Charmin “RollBot”)