Steelers, JuJu Smith-Schuster agree to one-year deal

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

JuJu Smith-Schuster after signing one-year deal with Steelers: 'I love you Pittsburgh'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/19/21

JuJu Smith-Schuster tested the open market, but he has decided to remain in Pittsburgh.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the wide receiver agreed to a one-year deal with the Steelers, turning down more money on a multi-year offer from the Philadelphia Eagles.

JuJu Smith-Schuster also turned down more money on a multi-year deal from the Eagles than he took to return to the Steelers, per source. The Eagles’ were a secret suitor. But Smith-Schuster loved Pittsburgh and its fans too much to leave. https://t.co/X8gitZYxwd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2021

Smith-Schuster also confirmed the deal via social media, saying, "This is my home, they're gonna need a wrecking ball to take me outta here!"

This is my home, they’re gonna need a wrecking ball to take me outta here! PITTSBURGH I LOVE YOU, LET’S GO!!!!! pic.twitter.com/SPFvCLUmFl
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 19, 2021

Can’t say it enough, I love you Pittsburgh. Came in here a young 20 year old and you guys embraced me from the moment I got here. So much love. Had my back thru everything, all the struggles and success. So hard to leave. See you this Fall in Heinz WE’RE GOIN CRAZY!!!
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 19, 2021

Smith-Schuster always wanted to stay in Pittsburgh. He made that abundantly clear since the end of the 2020 season. In an interview with TMZ Sports last month, the 24-year-old said he wanted to have his legacy with the Steelers and retire with the franchise.

Smith-Schuster reportedly drew interest from the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason before ultimately deciding to return to the Steelers.

In 58 games with the franchise, the California native has 308 catches for 3,726 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has one season of 1,000-plus yards, which came in 2018.

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