JuJu Smith-Schuster leaves door wide open for Steelers return

The team’s top pass-catcher in 2000 comes off a shortened season. But have Juju Smith-Schuster’s days with the Pittsburgh Steelers come to an end?

Late last week, there was a possibility he would be back on the field. By Sunday evening at Arrowhead Stadium, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was playing in his first game since injuring his shoulder in Week 5.

Mike Tomlin’s club was thumped by the Kansas City Chiefs, 42-21, in the club’s AFC wild card clash. The fifth-year performer was targeted eight times by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He finished with five catches for 26 yards. In those five regular-season outings in 2021, Smith-Schuster hauled in 15 passes for 129 yards and did not reach the end zone.

Back in 2020, he led the Steelers with 97 receptions, good for 831 yards. He and Chase Claypool tied for the team lead with nine scoring receptions. I

n five years and 63 regular-season outings with the Black and Gold, the 25-year-old pass-catcher totaled 323 grabs for 3,855 yards and 26 scores. He enjoyed a Pro Bowl campaign in 2018, when he was targeted 166 times and caught 111 passes for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.

This past offseason, Smith-Schuster signed a one-year, $8-million deal (via Spotrac). Obviously, he can become an unrestricted free agent once again?

But could he be back in the Steel City sooner than later? According to him, that’s what he would prefer.

https://twitter.com/TeamJuJu/status/1483186090970279939

Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster return something the WR would want

In 2022, the franchise will have more cap room than it has in years. Of course, the team could be very different as well when it comes to who is throwing the football. The Steelers have a lot of needs despite coming off a playoff campaign.

The club has its share of talent at wide receiver with Smith-Schuster, Claypool, 2021 leading pass-catcher Diontae Johnson and James Washington. There is also running back Najee Harris (74) and promising tight end Paul Freiermuth (60), who finished second and third, respectively on the club in catches.

This could be a solid group of targets, especially if Smith-Schuster returns in 2022.