3 Steelers affected most by recent Cameron Heyward contract extension
By Tommy Jaggi
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Fans and analysts alike have debated back and forth on which player was most essential to lock up longterm between Cameron Heyward and JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Steelers apparently chose the former. However, there are plenty of reasons to want JuJu to stick around beyond the 2020 season.
Aside from being a fan-favorite, Smith-Schuster is one of the most productive young receivers in the league. In fact, he was the youngest player to ever reach 2,500 receiving yards – surpassing the great Randy Moss to do so.
Unfortunately, the current cap situation is not looking good for the Steelers, and they are going to be very limited in what they can do to get a deal done with their top receiver. Though JuJu struggled in 2019, he could be set for a massive payday in a ‘prove it’ contract year with the Steelers.
Earlier this week, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen signed a massive 4-year, $80 million deal. If JuJu puts up similar numbers in 2020, his agent could be scratching and clawing for a deal in that ballpark. With Heyward being the latest to eat up more of Pittsburgh’s future cap space, a deal with Smith-Schuster may not be possible without a few extensions or restructures to free up space.