This is one of the worst possible free agent scenarios for Pittsburgh Steelers' fans. Beloved former wide receiver for the Steelers, JuJu Smith-Schuster is headed to the New England Patriots on a reported three-year, $33 million contract. This one hurts. During his time in Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster quickly became a fan favorite and was highly productive on the field. He totaled 323 receptions for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns as a Steeler. His best season came in 2018, his lone Pro Bowl year, where he had 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns and was voted Team MVP by his teammates. Now, he will be a part of one of the Steelers' biggest rivals in the Patriots.
The #Patriots are giving WR JuJu Smith-Schuster a 3-year deal worth $33m, source said. A big investment.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
While the decision to join New England may be tough to handle for Steelers' fans, it makes total sense schematically. When healthy, he is one of the best slot receivers in all of the NFL. His sure hands and toughness will immediately make him a threat in the Patriots' offense, which often highlights their slot receivers better than any other team in the NFL.
He will thrive as a new target for the Patriots' quarterback, Mac Jones, and will serve as a leader for the team's young wide receiver core. Smith-Schuster has always had great admiration for the entire Patriots organization, particularly their Head Coach, Bill Belichick.
Crazy to have Coach Belichick, a legendary coach I’ve watched my whole life, come up to me after the game and tell me he respects my game and how I play!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) December 17, 2018
The Patriots were in the market for a receiver once Jakobi Myers opted to reunite with former Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels, in Las Vegas and join the Raiders. They quickly found their replacement in JuJu. Interesting to note that Smith-Schuster's contract with the Patriots is a rather sizable one. Considering JuJu has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons and has not been as productive during the beginning part of his career, this move may be considered a bit of a risk to some.
Credit: Getty Images
Former Steelers' WR, JuJu Smith-Schuster
However, JuJu bounced back rather nicely with the Kansas City Chiefs last year, ending the season with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns. He was also a major part of the Chiefs' playoff run, which ultimately ended with them hoisting the Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl LVII. There were many reports that the Chiefs had great interest in bringing JuJu back for the 2023 season, but they were most likely outbid for his services by the Patriots. $33 million over three years is a tremendous value for Smith-Schuster at this point in his career. Between the financial compensation and the opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame Coach, the decision was a no-brainer.
Photo by: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Chiefs' WR, JuJu Smith-Schuster
Final Thoughts On Former Steelers' WR, JuJu Smith-Schuster
When the time for JuJu to leave the Steelers during the 2021 offseason, many thought the team would quickly rebound and find a slot receiver who was as productive as JuJu. They have had no such luck. Players such as Chase Claypool and Steven Sims have filled in admirably, but failed to bring the same toughness and grit that JuJu brought to every game.
It certainly will be painful for Steelers' fans to watch JuJu play for their arch nemesis this year. The Steelers are scheduled to host the Patriots in 2023. This will undoubtedly, even more so now, be a game to watch for next season. How do you feel about JuJu being the newest Patriot, Steeler Nation? Do you feel as if he will play a big role in their offense moving forward? Let us know in the comments.
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