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This has been an offseason of change for the Steelers because the Ben Roethlisberger period begins to wind down, with Maurkice Pouncey retiring and several other different shufflings.
One of many largest questions Pittsburgh faces this offseason is the way forward for receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is ready to be a free agent. Smith-Schuster has preferred some tweets encouraging to sign up numerous locations, and there was some hypothesis that the USC product might wish to return house to Los Angeles to play for both the Chargers or Rams. Nonetheless, the younger wideout made clear in recent comments to TMZ Sports that he’d desire to remain in Pittsburgh if attainable.
“On the finish of the day, I wish to have my legacy in Pittsburgh and retire there,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “I don’t wish to depart.” He was requested concerning the Rams and Chargers, and he rebuffed the notion, saying “not proper now. Till I truly get let go, apart from that, I’m Pittsburgh for all times.”
It feels like if the Steelers are prepared to pay him his market worth, he’ll be again catching passes from Roethlisberger in 2021. Smith-Schuster is a really attention-grabbing free company case. On the one hand his manufacturing has dropped the previous two seasons, nevertheless it’s additionally extraordinarily uncommon for a 24-year-old along with his degree of accomplishments to hit the open market.
In 2018 he seemed like one of many high receivers within the league, racking up 1,426 yards. This previous season he completed with solely 831 in the identical variety of video games because the Steelers’ passing assault lacked explosiveness.
He did nonetheless rating 9 touchdowns in 2020, and was competing with a number of different receivers for targets. We heard recently that the Raiders are “very interested” in signing Smith-Schuster, so there will likely be one thing of a bidding conflict for his providers. He received’t get high of the receiver market cash, however he might land one thing within the $15MM yearly vary.
Regardless of his feedback right this moment, it nonetheless wouldn’t be stunning if he finally ends up getting priced out of the Steelers’ vary. The crew doesn’t have the very best cap state of affairs, as they proceed to work through the problems posed by Roethlisberger’s hefty contract.
Picture courtesy of USA Right this moment Sports activities Pictures.
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