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A lot of what’s been opined in regards to the return of the prodigal JuJu Smith-Schuster to Pittsburgh looks as if it’s primarily based on fabrication, or at the least a fact stretched very skinny.
A lot of that distortion relies on the concept Smith-Schuster had different important affords.
However Philadelphia media reported Smith-Schuster’s so-called “provide” from the Eagles was truly Smith-Schuster’s agent approaching the Eagles, not vice-versa. Did Smith-Schuster provide to play for the Eagles? Positive. Did the Eagles provide a multi-year deal that was rejected? No.
It’s possible Smith-Schuster’s illustration distributed phrase of phony prospects to the nationwide soccer media to create leverage with the Steelers and to save lots of face after the very fact.
We’re anticipated to imagine Smith-Schuster’s love for Pittsburgh stored him right here. If he has an enormous season in 2021, let’s see if that love retains him past Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
If Smith-Schuster cherished Pittsburgh, he may have reached an settlement to remain months in the past. He wouldn’t have posted a likeness of himself in a Miami jersey on social media, nor this assertion: “March seventeenth, FREE MAN.” He wouldn’t have mentioned goodbyes each non-public and public.
If Smith-Schuster is once more mediocre, nevertheless, he might proceed to like Pittsburgh — and as soon as once more at a cut-rate worth.
One other fabrication dictates Pittsburgh is the very best launching pad for Smith-Schuster’s subsequent try at free company due to his familiarity with Roethlisberger and his possible standing because the quarterback’s No. 1 goal.
However final season offered the identical setup, and Smith-Schuster was not Roethlisberger’s No. 1 goal. Diontae Johnson was. Smith-Schuster averaged a mere 8.6 yards per catch as a result of he can’t escape press protection.
Smith-Schuster reportedly had a proposal from Kansas Metropolis. (I don’t imagine that.) It was reportedly for barely greater than the Steelers provided. (I particularly don’t imagine that.)
If Smith-Schuster did get that provide, he was a idiot to show it down.
Smith-Schuster’s greatest season was 2018, the final time he had Antonio Brown affording him the best of protection by absorbing double groups and No. 1 cornerbacks. Smith-Schuster would have had a good higher state of affairs in Kansas Metropolis with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Patrick Mahomes is the perfect quarterback in soccer. He can put the ball anyplace on the sector.
Smith-Schuster might need solely made 50 catches, however he would have made performs. That’s what NFL GMs search for. They definitely weren’t impressed by Smith-Schuster’s 97 receptions for minimal yardage in 2020.
As an alternative, Smith-Schuster got here again to Pittsburgh. However Roethlisberger is a 12 months older, and the offensive line might be a lot worse. It’s hardly a super platform for Smith-Schuster’s second go at free company.
Smith-Schuster would give himself a greater probability if he visibly and verbally rededicated his focus to soccer and minimized his branding and social media. That gained’t occur. If something, he’ll go within the different course, maybe displaying petulance as a result of he feels he’s being underpaid.
The controversy that resulted from dancing on opposition logos pushed Smith-Schuster over the road from excessive profile to excessive upkeep. His play doesn’t justify the danger.
The New York Giants gave free-agent huge receiver Kenny Golladay the form of deal Smith-Schuster was on the lookout for: 4 years, $72 million. Golladay is three years older than Smith-Schuster. Every has been within the league 4 years. Golladay missed all however 5 video games final season due to harm. Smith-Schuster’s profession stats are superior in each method besides yards per catch.
However Golladay acquired the large contract. Smith-Schuster didn’t.
New York Giants coach Joe Decide met with Golladay and determined he’d be a match for the tradition he’s attempting to construct. Did any crew even trouble to fulfill with Smith-Schuster?
Smith-Schuster’s free company was a failure till it was accomplished, then a lie afterward.
Classes:
Sports activities | Steelers/NFL
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