Former Steelers' LB Questions JuJu Smith-Schuster's Legitimate Fit For "Patriot Way"

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster always seems to keep his name in the news. Whether it is his TikToks, Milk Crate Challenges, taking Boujee on a date or his on-field performance, he's become a household name that transcends a single team's media reach. 

Smith-Schuster was a standout player at the University of Southern California and was drafted by the Steelers in the second round in 2017. He immediately made an impact in Pittsburgh with 323 receptions, 3,855 yards receiving and 26 touchdowns during his time in the Steel City. His best season in black and gold was in 2018 when he earned a Pro Bowl nod and was voted team MVP by his teammates. 

He became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh quickly. Smith-Schuster showed himself to be tough, gritty and he wasn't afraid to block or make difficult catches. He also had his detractors as some fans did not approve of his youthful cheerfulness. Like most other 20-somethings, Smith-Schuster is heavily involved in social media and frequently created TikToks that got mixed reviews from fans and analysts.  

The Steelers let him leave when he hit free agency in 2022 and he signed a one-year contract worth a maximum of $10.75 million with the Kansas City Chiefs. He had arguably his best season since 2018, with 78 catches, 933 receiving yards and three touchdowns. 

He was a contributor in Kansas City's Super Bowl LVII win, catching seven passes for 53 yards. As the game was winding down, a holding call was made on Philadelphia Eagles cornerback, James Bradberry and the penalty resulted in a first down that allowed the Chiefs to kick a game-winning field goal. 

Smith-Schuster took to social media to taunt Bradberry about holding him. The backlash was as you might expect. Several Eagles players began biting back at him on Twitter.

Now, he is in the news again as he has inked a deal with a loathsome Steelers rival, the New England Patriots. The deal, $33 million for three years, is a dagger to the hearts of Steelers fans who still cheer for his success. In addition, with his production dropping off some, fans and analysts debate if he is being overpaid by New England. 

Is Former Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Worth $33 million?

Two former Steelers players, Terrance Garvin and Arthur Moats, discussed Smith-Schuster's new contract and how they think he will fare in New England on Moats' podcast The Arthur Moats Experience. 

Moats and Garvin both expressed how personally happy they are that Smith-Schuster continues to find success and opportunities with successful franchises. Garvin quipped:

"JuJu strikes again! That's amazing, he's just doing great for himself. But if there's an 'outkick your coverage' this is it."

For anyone who might not know the term "outkick your coverage" is used to describe a couple where one person is clearly dating someone else outside of their league. Garvin is implying that he may have gotten a better deal than is warranted. Moats joked along with Garvin regarding Smith-Schuster seeming to create drama with other players. Making a spin-off of "outkicking his coverage" Moats said:

"He outkicked his courage, he talking big on Twitter or on TV, like bro is this your real life? There's no way."

Garvin agrees that Smith-Schuster stirs the pot a lot, which tends to make other players mad:

"He puts himself in situations, like 'if I see you out it's on.' And I don't know if I love him with the Patriots. I didn't want to say it outright but it's that 'Patriot Way.'"

Moats concurs with Garvin saying he has a similar concern, implying that his antics might not align with the Patriots way of doing things:

"That was my biggest hiccup, everybody that I know that has spent time in New England and I don't see how JuJu deals with that on a day-to-day. But maybe for JuJu because of his pay grade it's gonna be different. In terms of TikTok, the social (media), like that has been none regardless of who you are in that organization."

"They gave him three for 33, that mean they like him a lot. But that's a dub man." Said Garvin, "You talk about out kicking your coverage, he did it in real life."

What do you think about the former Steelers wide receiver? Is JuJu getting overpaid in New England? How does seeing him go to a rival make you feel? What are your predictions on how he will do in 2023? Click to comment below.

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