JuJu Smith-Schuster announced on Friday that he had agreed to sign again with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming only the third wide receiver in the modern era to win a second contract with the organization, joining Hines Ward and Antonio Brown.
Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Baltimore Ravens went to great lengths to hire Smith-Schuster and that the Philadelphia Eagles also offered a multi-year deal with more money, but he ended up accepting significantly less money to stay with the Steelers for a year. to deal.
“This is my home, they will need a wrecking ball to get me out of here! PITTSBURGH I LOVE YOU, LET’S GO !!!!!” he posted on Twitter.
This is my home, they will need a wrecking ball to get me out of here! PITTSBURGH I LOVE YOU, LET’S GO !!!!! 💛🖤💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/SPFvCLUmFl
– JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 19, 2021
I can’t say enough, I love you, Pittsburgh. A 20 year old man came here and you embraced me from the moment I arrived here. Much love. I supported myself in everything, in all struggles and in success. So hard to get out. See you this fall in Heinz WE ARE CRAZY !!!
– JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 19, 2021
The hiring of Smith-Schuster does not come without consequences, however, and the Steelers also gave permission to start cornerback Steven Nelson to seek an exchange, a source told Schefter.
Steelers had less than $ 4 million in capitalization space on Friday morning, and trading or cutting Nelson would free up just over $ 8 million.
Nelson’s departure would make him the fifth full-time defender to leave the team at the free agency, including veteran linebacker Vince Williams, who was discharged earlier this week.
Not my partner in CRIMe !!!!! @Nelson_Island 🥺🥺🥺🥺😤 !!! I love you bro! This alloy is cut throat
– Joe Haden (@ joehaden23) March 19, 2021
Smith-Schuster’s 2020 season ended on a bitter note, as he was criticized for his comments before the playoff loss to rival Cleveland Browns.
“I think they are still the same Browns that I played every year,” said Smith-Schuster before the game. “I think they are gray faces with no name. They have some good players on their team. But at the end of the day, the Browns are the Browns.”
The receiver was also examined during the season for his viral dances on the opponents’ midfield logos before the games and his posting on TikTok – a practice he interrupted after coach Mike Tomlin talked to him when he was calling more and more. opponents’ attention and media.
Smith-Schuster, 24, became a fan favorite shortly after being selected for the second round of the 2017 draft. Known for cycling to the team’s South Side premises, Smith-Schuster gained even more notoriety when it was stolen and returned in 24 hours.
As a rookie, Smith-Schuster also quickly gained attention on the field as receiver # 2 for Antonio Brown, receiving 58 passes for 917 receiving yards and seven touchdowns – including a 97 yard score.
A year later, he passed 1,000 yards with 1,426 receiving yards and seven more touchdowns, in addition to a 13-yard TD running.
Once Brown left, however, Smith-Schuster did not ascend to the recipient’s first place as well as he expected. His 2019 season was marked by persistent injuries and he lost four games. Playing without Ben Roethlisberger, Smith-Schuster ended with a career drop of 552 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The following season, Smith-Schuster recovered in the slot, registering 831 receiving yards and one of the nine best touchdowns of his career. He was Roethlisberger’s target on the third downhill and received praise from his defender and coach for his courage and ability to catch yards through contact.
In four seasons of the NFL, he had 308 receptions for 3,726 yards and 26 touchdowns in 58 games.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.