JuJu Smith-Schuster leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers after announcing a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to Field Yates, the Kansas City Chiefs have signed wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a one-year, $10.75 million contract. Prior to his free agency this month, the former USC standout and All-Pac 12 pass-catcher had spent his whole NFL career with the Steelers. He posted a note announcing his departure from Pittsburgh.
Smith-Schuster is the newest member of a Chiefs offense that already includes tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill among other excellent pass catchers. As the Chiefs look to make it to the Super Bowl for the third time in four seasons in 2022, Smith-Schuster is expected to provide even more strength to one of the NFL’s most potent units.Earlier in the year, Smith-Schuster stated that he would like to remain in Pittsburgh; however, that wish ultimately did not come true. Another thing to think about in Steel City this offseason is a new quarterback, as two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the NFL after almost 20 years of service, all of which were spent with Pittsburgh.
“To be honest, staying in Pittsburgh would be a blessing,” Smith-Schuster remarked following the Kansas City defeat. “I adore the fans and the city together. Coach (Mike) Tomlin, I adore you. I adore the players, coaches, and everyone else in the training room and media. It’s been incredible. Here, my career has been incredible. To be able to play with these guys and the same coaches here would be nice. It would be pleasant to remain for an additional four years.
Regarding his tenure in Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster agreed to a one-year contract extension with the team prior to the 2021 campaign, but he was unable to play until the postseason due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 5. He was placed on injured reserve by Pittsburgh.
October 16 following surgery for a shoulder injury. He was included in the starting lineup for the team’s Wild Card loss, which coincidentally occurred against Kansas City, after the Steelers activated him on January 15.
Prior to his injury, Smith-Schuster caught 15 passes for 129 yards in five games. The Steelers’ players discussed Smith-Schuster’s impact on the team when he returned to practice on the Thursday before the playoffs.
In the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Smith-Schuster was selected by the Steelers with the 62nd overall pick. A member of the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2017, he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018 following two seasons of 2,343 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Since then, Smith-Schuster has only amassed 1,512 receiving yards, 831 of which came in 2020. That year, he also recorded a career-high nine receiving touchdowns, but a number of off-field incidents cast doubt on his ability to stay with the team. Nevertheless, the Steelers signed him to a one-year contract.
