Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey unsuccessfully recruit JuJu Smith-Schuster, who selected to stick with Steelers

JuJu Smith-Schuster stated all alongside that he needed to remain in Pittsburgh. Smith-Schuster’s actions matched his phrases, because the veteran acquired has agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with the Steelers. The deal will permit the Steelers to signal Smith-Schuster to a long-term deal in 2022, when the group has the cap room to take action. 

Smith-Schuster turned down a number of attractive affords to stay in Pittsburgh. The Eagles reportedly supplied him a multiyear deal, whereas the Chiefs reportedly supplied Smith-Schuster a one-year, $8 million take care of $3 million in incentives. The Ravens, the Steelers’ greatest rival, supplied Smith-Schuster a one-year, $9.5 million deal plus $3.5 million in incentives, in response to CBS Sports activities NFL Insider Jason La Canfora. Ravens gamers that made a private pitch to Smith-Schuster to affix their group included quarterback Lamar Jackson and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. 

Humphrey and Smith-Schuster exchanged pleasantries on Twitter shortly after information broke of Smith-Schuster remaining in Pittsburgh. 

Smith-Schuster’s return signifies that Ben Roethlisberger may have his full complement of receivers again for what might be his closing season. Together with Smith-Schuster, fellow receivers Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and James Washington are beneath contract for 2021. The Steelers loved one of many league’s finest passing assaults throughout the first three quarters of the 2020 season. Dropped passes and an absence of a working recreation contributed to Pittsburgh profitable simply one in all its closing six video games. The Steelers will look to strengthen their working recreation throughout the draft. They lately addressed their offensive line by re-signing middle J.C. Hassenauer and sort out Zach Banner. Pittsburgh additionally signed middle/guard B.J. Finney, who spent his first 5 seasons with the Steelers earlier than signing with Seattle final March. 

With Smith-Schuster staying put, the Ravens will proceed their quest for a veteran receiver and have reportedly reached out to former Lion Kenny Golladay. Baltimore’s different choices embody Sammy Watkins, Antonio Brown, and T.Y. Hilton, amongst others. The Ravens had inner discussions about signing Brown final summer season earlier than in the end deciding in opposition to it. Brown ultimately signed with the Buccaneers, the place he helped Tampa Bay win Tremendous Bowl LV. Jackson needed the Ravens to signal Brown then, and there isn’t any cause to suppose that he wouldn’t welcome the previous All-Professional receiver to Baltimore now.