Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 players who won’t be back in 2022

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts after Chase Claypool #11 caught the ball over defender Patrick Peterson #7 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 9, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

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JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

The Steelers almost lost JuJu Smith-Schuster this past offseason, but who knows if he will return in 2022.

Smith-Schuster, coming off a 2020 season where he recorded 97 receptions, 831 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, entered free agency in the 2021 league year. After receiving interest from teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, Smith-Schuster ultimately decided to return to the Steelers on a one-year, $8 million contract.

The 2021 season had not gone to plan for the 25-year-old, as he dislocated his shoulder five games into the year. As a result, he had to undergo season-ending surgery.

In his limited appearances this year, Smith-Schuster caught 15-of-28 targets for 129 yards.

Even though his season was cut short, Smith-Schuster will command a market this offseason. Yes, Davante Adams, Chris Godwin and Allen Robinson are all set to be free agents as well, but Smith-Schuster is a young wideout that has a ton of potential. He will garner attention from wide-receiver needy teams after this season.

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