Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is set to be a free agent after this season, but he is far from coy about his appreciation for the Steel City.
Smith-Schuster posted an Instagram story Wednesday night that leaves little doubt about his desired free agency destination, as it appears he is open to the idea of re-signing with Pittsburgh.
“No cap, I wouldn’t mind staying here for another four years,” Smith-Schuster wrote.
While he has been a productive player and fan favorite over his four-year career, the cap-strapped Steelers and Smith-Schuster may find it challenging to come to terms on an agreeable contract this offseason.
Pittsburgh will have some tough decisions to make once the 2020 season concludes, as they have a number of key contributors also set to become unrestricted free agents, including running back James Conner, left tackles Alejandro Villanueva, outside linebacker Bud Dupree, slot corner Mike Hilton and nose tackle Tyson Alualu.
Long term, the Steelers also have to plan ahead for outside linebacker T.J. Watt’s impending extension, which should be one of the richest contracts for a defensive player in NFL history.
Smith-Schuster has caught a team-high 82 passes for 670 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020.
Selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Southern California, Smith-Schuster has 293 receptions, 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns as a Steeler. He was selected to his first and only Pro Bowl in 2018.