The Pittsburgh Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson and have yet to find a suitable replacement at wide receiver. Despite expectations of a major move in the free agent market, such prospects are dwindling with time. It appears the Steelers may rely on drafting to address this void, seeking a new starting wide receiver.
One enticing possibility floated around was a trade for former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, now with the New England Patriots. However, the notion loses its luster when considering the significant contract he holds with the Patriots. Acquiring him back to Pittsburgh would burden the Steelers financially. Yet, a potential avenue for reuniting with Smith-Schuster may eventually emerge.
On Monday, Brian Batko, a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter who specializes in covering the Steelers, addressed the notion of trading for the former Steelers wide receiver during his chat session. In response to a question about the Steelers trading for Smith-Schuster, Batko responded directly.
"No and no. Bad contract the Patriots gave him. Now if he were cut, I wouldn't mind giving him a chance to compete for a spot, but it looks like his best days are behind him."
According to Spotrac, Smith-Schuster inked a substantial deal with the Patriots: a three-year, $25,500,000 contract, which includes a hefty $7,900,000 signing bonus, $16,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $8,500,000. In 2024, he's set to earn a base salary of $7,000,000, carrying a cap hit of $10,280,386, and a dead cap value of $12,266,668.
This contract stands out, especially for a wide receiver who faced challenges in 2023. After departing from the Steelers, he opted for a one-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, sealing a deal worth $3.76 million. During his time with the Chiefs, he celebrated a Super Bowl victory and had the privilege of catching passes from the NFL's top quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
In the 2022 season, he showcased his skills with the Chiefs, tallying 78 receptions for 933 receiving yards and three touchdowns. However, his debut season with the Patriots in 2023 saw a significant dip in production, as he managed only 29 catches for 260 receiving yards and one touchdown. Admittedly, the Patriots' turbulent season and unstable quarterback situation contributed to this decline. Furthermore, Smith-Schuster grappled with injuries, appearing in just 11 games and starting seven.
Former Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Shined In His Return To Pittsburgh
While Smith-Schuster faced challenges in 2023, he still showcased his prowess against his former team when it mattered most. In a crucial game for the Steelers, who were struggling at the time, Smith-Schuster delivered a standout performance, hauling in four receptions for 90 yards – his best outing of the season.
As the Patriots navigate uncertain times, there's speculation about their handling of Smith-Schuster and his contract. It's possible he could become expendable in New England, potentially opening the door for a reunion with the Steelers.
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