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PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a voluntary pay lower in the course of the offseason.
Roethlisberger’s restructured deal helped the Steelers unencumber sufficient cash to steer vast receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to return to the group on a one-year deal. Smith-Schuster determined to remain in Pittsburgh quite than depart in free company, citing a way of loyalty.
“For me, I feel it was extra so the loyalty and staying with the quarterback I’ve been taking part in with for the final 4 years,” Smith-Schuster mentioned.
Smith-Schuster, the Steelers’ 2017 second-round decide, mentioned that he turned down alternatives to play in Baltimore and Kansas Metropolis.
“Patrick Mahomes is a superb quarterback, and he can be for the subsequent decade, however I feel it’s simply the loyalty to my coaches and my quarterback,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “If I went to the Ravens, I’d nonetheless have loyal followers (in Pittsburgh), the rivalry is huge and followers would destroy me. The Chiefs have a fantastic offense, with the ability to play with Tyreek (Hill) and Travis (Kelce), however on the finish of the day, I’ve to do what’s greatest for me, and that’s staying residence. It makes all the pieces simpler on me going into subsequent yr, and subsequent yr’s free company is lots higher.”
Smith-Schuster, who signed an $8 million deal, mentioned that staying in Pittsburgh additionally makes monetary sense. The wage cap is anticipated to take a big leap subsequent yr after taking place in 2021. Smith-Schuster mentioned that there might be extra profitable alternatives if he hits the open market subsequent spring. He hasn’t dominated out a long-term return to Pittsburgh, both.
“The whole lot was completely different with the cap being low,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “Subsequent yr is clearly a yr the place the cap goes to be higher. This yr, I simply must go on the market, do what I’ve to do and put stuff on tape to make my worth even higher.”
The 24-year-old Smith-Schuster was a Professional Bowl choice in 2018. He’s the one NFL participant because the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to register not less than 250 receptions, 3,300 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns earlier than his twenty fourth birthday.
Final season, Smith-Schuster was one of many NFL’s prime receivers out of the slot. This season, he needs to play extra on the skin.
“With the ability to play outdoors, you’re including extra to your craft,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “Yr two, the very best yr I had as a Pittsburgh Steeler, I used to be taking part in extra outdoors than inside. It simply provides one other risk, and with Ben, you don’t know the place the ball’s going to go.”
Smith-Schuster set profession marks with 111 receptions and 1,426 yards in 2018. Final season, he ranked fifth within the AFC and ninth within the NFL with 97 catches. Smith-Schuster, who completed with 831 yards, was tied for fourth within the convention and ninth within the league with a career-best 9 touchdowns. He ranked second within the NFL in third-down receptions, and was tied for second in third-down catches that resulted in a primary down.
“I attempt to lead by instance with motion,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “I don’t say an entire lot, and if I do, it’s uncommon. I’ll let that as much as Ben and a few of the different guys to talk for the group.”
Smith-Schuster nonetheless leads a large receiver group that may be a energy of the offense. Roethlisberger will play his 18th season behind a revamped offensive line, because the Steelers search to enhance a run sport, which completed final within the NFL in yards dashing in 2020.
“We’ve got some weapons and the chemistry is already there,” Smith-Schuster mentioned of the receivers. “We’ve had guys which were on the group two or three years now.”
Diontae Johnson led the group final season with 923 receiving yards, whereas Chase Claypool established league and franchise receiving information as a rookie. James Washington is a former second-round decide, tight finish Eric Ebron caught 5 touchdowns and Ray-Ray McCloud was additionally a particular groups’ ace, rating top-10 within the league in kickoff and punt return common.
Claypool mentioned Smith-Schuster performed a big function in his growth.
“JuJu appears nice, and he’s getting higher yearly,” Claypool mentioned. “He’s a superb chief, he’s a humorous dude and he’s relatable. I lean on him every time I want a superb chortle or a bit of recommendation.”
Smith-Schuster appears to proceed and evolve in his fifth NFL season and make one other affect in the course of the offseason in free company.
“I’ve to play my butt off as a result of I don’t know what’s going to occur subsequent season,” Smith-Schuster mentioned.
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Extra AP NFL protection: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP–NFL
Copyright 2021 The Related Press.
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