WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Says He Wants to Re-Sign with Steelers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While most the attention was rightfully on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger potentially playing his final game in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform in the team’s 42-21 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, it was also potential the final game with the team for a number of other players whose contracts are expiring.

One of those players is wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is set to hit free agency this March. But Smith-Schuster made it clear after the game that he hopes that doesn’t happen.

“Honestly, it would be a blessing (to come back),” Smith-Schuster said.

One of the youngest players in the league when he came out as the Steelers’ second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Smith-Schuster has spent four formative years in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, and if it’s up to him, that will continue.

“I love the city,” he said. “I love the fans. I love Coach Tomlin. I love the coaches, my teammates, players, everyone from the media side to training room. It’s been unbelievable. My career here has been amazing. It would be nice to stay here and play with these guys again, the same coaches and everyone.”

Smith-Schuster has already demonstrated his dedication to the city and team once, re-signing with the Steelers on a one-year contract for the 2021 season after hitting free agency last offseason.

It sounds like if the Steelers reciprocate his desire for him to remain in Pittsburgh, it will probably take slightly more layout than that to make it happen.

“It would be nice to stay here another four years,” Smith-Schuster said.