NFL Rumors: JuJu Smith-Schuster Spurns Chiefs, Ravens For Return To Steelers

JuJu Smith-Schuster wanted to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers, even if it meant passing up the chance to play with one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. The free-agent has re-signed with the only team he’s ever played for, turning down offers from other AFC contenders.

Smith-Schuster has inked a one-year, $8 million deal with the Steelers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The wide receiver reportedly could’ve signed a more lucrative contract with either the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens.

The Chiefs offered to pay Smith-Schuster $8 million with the potential to earn $3 million more in incentives, sources tell NFL Network’s Taylor Bisciotti. The Ravens were reportedly willing to give Smith-Schuster a $9 million contract with $4 million in incentives.

In his four NFL seasons, Smith-Schuster has earned $4.16 million, according to Spotrac.

“This is my home, they’re gonna need a wrecking ball to take me outta here!” Smith-Schuster said on Twitter. “PITTSBURGH I LOVE YOU, LET’S GO!!!!!”

This is true. The #Ravens came in with the highest offer. And JuJu still stayed home. https://t.co/5ygrynGjxd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 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 is set to receive passes from Ben Roethlisberger in the 2021 season. The veteran appeared to be headed for the twilight of his career last year, ending the 2020 campaign with four interceptions in Pittsburgh’s first-round playoff loss.

The Ravens advanced to the second round of last season’s playoffs. The Chiefs reached the Super Bowl for the second straight year, losing to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In Kansas City, Smith-Schuster would’ve been able to play with the NFL’s top quarterback. Patrick Mahomes finished third in the 2020 MVP race, one year after winning the Super Bowl MVP award. In 2018, Mahomes was named the NFL MVP in his first season as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback.

Lamar Jackson was the unanimous NFL MVP for the 2019 season. Jackson and the Ravens finished a game behind the Steelers in the AFC North standings.

Smith-Schuster caught 97 passes for 831 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns last season. The 24-year-old has 3,726 receiving yards in 58 career games.