Much of what’s been opined about the return of the prodigal JuJu Smith-Schuster to Pittsburgh seems like it’s based on fabrication, or at least a truth stretched very thin.
Much of that distortion is based on the idea Smith-Schuster had other significant offers.
But Philadelphia media reported Smith-Schuster’s so-called “offer” from the Eagles was actually Smith-Schuster’s agent approaching the Eagles, not vice-versa. Did Smith-Schuster offer to play for the Eagles? Sure. Did the Eagles offer a multi-year deal that was rejected? No.
It’s likely Smith-Schuster’s representation distributed word of phony possibilities to the national football media to create leverage with the Steelers and to save face after the fact.
We’re expected to believe Smith-Schuster’s love for Pittsburgh kept him here. If he has a big season in 2021, let’s see if that love keeps him beyond Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
If Smith-Schuster loved Pittsburgh, he could have reached an agreement to stay months ago. He wouldn’t have posted a likeness of himself in a Miami jersey on social media, nor this statement: “March 17th, FREE MAN.” He wouldn’t have said goodbyes both private and public.
If Smith-Schuster is again mediocre, however, he may continue to love Pittsburgh — and once again at a cut-rate price.
Another fabrication dictates Pittsburgh is the best possible launching pad for Smith-Schuster’s next attempt at free agency because of his familiarity with Roethlisberger and his likely status as the quarterback’s No. 1 target.
But last season presented the same setup, and Smith-Schuster was not Roethlisberger’s No. 1 target. Diontae Johnson was. Smith-Schuster averaged a mere 8.6 yards per catch because he can’t escape press coverage.
Smith-Schuster reportedly had an offer from Kansas City. (I don’t believe that.) It was reportedly for slightly more than the Steelers offered. (I especially don’t believe that.)
If Smith-Schuster did get that offer, he was a fool to turn it down.
Smith-Schuster’s biggest season was 2018, the last time he had Antonio Brown affording him the easiest of coverage by absorbing double teams and No. 1 cornerbacks. Smith-Schuster would have had an even better situation in Kansas City with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in football. He can put the ball anywhere on the field.
Smith-Schuster might have only made 50 catches, but he would have made plays. That’s what NFL GMs look for. They certainly weren’t impressed by Smith-Schuster’s 97 receptions for minimal yardage in 2020.
Instead, Smith-Schuster came back to Pittsburgh. But Roethlisberger is a year older, and the offensive line will be much worse. It’s hardly an ideal platform for Smith-Schuster’s second go at free agency.
Smith-Schuster would give himself a better chance if he visibly and verbally rededicated his focus to football and minimized his branding and social media. That won’t happen. If anything, he will go in the other direction, perhaps displaying petulance because he feels he’s being underpaid.
The controversy that resulted from dancing on opposition logos pushed Smith-Schuster over the line from high profile to high maintenance. His play doesn’t justify the risk.
The New York Giants gave free-agent wide receiver Kenny Golladay the kind of deal Smith-Schuster was looking for: Four years, $72 million. Golladay is three years older than Smith-Schuster. Each has been in the league four years. Golladay missed all but five games last season because of injury. Smith-Schuster’s career stats are superior in every way except yards per catch.
But Golladay got the big contract. Smith-Schuster didn’t.
New York Giants coach Joe Judge met with Golladay and decided he’d be a fit for the culture he’s trying to build. Did any team even bother to meet with Smith-Schuster?
Smith-Schuster’s free agency was a failure until it was completed, then a lie afterward.
