It seems like the only course the Steelers and JuJu Smith-Schuster have left is a deal through free agency. The franchise tag has come and passed on Tuesday. It seems the Steelers haven't been communicating with JuJu as much as he would have liked this offseason. He has taken to social media quite a bit saying 'let's talk,' or putting sad emoji's when other Steeler players get a new contract. It is evident he would like to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he knows he won't get paid what he thinks he is worth with Pittsburgh.
Yesterday there was a report by Ian Rapoport who said it is still possible JuJu will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rapoport says the Steelers would still like JuJu back. Another interesting note is Ian says the Steelers are currently trying to work on keeping JuJu. That would mean they have at least begun talks with his side to try and make it work. We all know there is a small chance JuJu could be back because of the Steelers cap situation. There is a bigger chance he walks in free agency than he stays.
With that said Rapoport says JuJu Smith-Schuster could be looking for a one-year deal to prove himself because he has been up and down throughout his years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That would be a huge gamble because if JuJu goes down with an injury during that one-year time frame his value will decrease even more. I would expect JuJu to look for a 3-4 year deal with another team if he does indeed walk during free agency.
A one-year deal would make sense with the Pittsburgh Steelers because then it shows he is loyal to the organization and if he performs on that one-year deal then the Steelers will have the wiggle room in 2022 to re-sign him to a longer contract. That is another option for JuJu Smith-Schuster. JuJu and his agent have an idea what his market value is and it would be wise for JuJu to get paid in the 2021 offseason, but if he would like to sign with the Steelers on a one-year deal then I would gladly take him back.
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