JuJu Smith-Schuster addresses contract, standing with Steelers front office
Juju Smith-Schuster scratched and clawed his way back to the field to play in the Steelers playoff game. The star wide receiver wanted to help his team, and be on the field for Ben Roethlisberger’s final game. However, it could’ve been Smith-Schuster’s final game with the Steelers as well.
Last offseason, Smith-Schuster almost left Pittsburgh in free agency. Then, a robust market never materialized — the former USC star opted to return to the Steelers for one season. Now, he’ll be looking for a longer contract this time around.
After a disappointing loss to the Chiefs in the playoffs, Smith-Schuster addressed his future with the team.
“Honestly, it would be a blessing (to stay in Pittsburgh.) I love the city, I love the fans, I love coach (Mike) Tomlin,” sated Smith-Schuster. “I love the coaches and my teammates, players, everyone from the media side to the training room. It’s been unbelievable. My career here has been amazing.
“It would be nice to stay here and play with these guys and the same coaches. It would be nice to stay for another four years.”
Smith-Schuster wants to stay, but Pittsburgh has some tough decisions this off-season. First and foremost, the Steelers must figure out their quarterback situation before next season.
While the star wide receiver wants to return, the stars may not be aligned. There’s a strong possibility JuJu Smith-Schuster has played his final game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ben Roethlisberger sends message to Steelers fans after loss
With the loss for the Steelers, longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger‘s time in Pittsburgh has come to an end. Roethlisberger is expected to retire following the season.
Once Roethlisberger does officially retire, it will bring a longstanding streak to an end in Pittsburgh. He entered the league in 2004 after being selected 11th overall in the NFL Draft out of Miami (OH). As his career came to an end, Roethlisberger shared a heartfelt message with Steelers fans and the city of Pittsburgh.
“It’s tough but I’m proud to play with these guys,” Roethlisberger said. “God has blessed me with an ability to throw a football and has blessed me to play in the greatest city in Pittsburgh with the greatest fans and the greatest football team and players and it has just truly been a blessing and I’m so thankful to Him for the opportunity that He’s given me.”
In the loss to the Chiefs, Roethlisberger completed 29 of his 44 pass attempts for 215 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. But during the loss, Roethlisberger passed Brett Favre’s mark of 5,855 playoff passing yards on the all-time list. He now sits just behind Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.