While there is still plenty of games to be played, it Smith-Schuster could be playing in his final games with the Steelers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has developed into a quality NFL receiver despite being so young when he entered the league. While his career has been filled with highs and lows, he is still considered a quality player at a premium position. With his contract set to expire, the Steelers will have to make a choice on if he will be worth long-term money. Here are the reasons Smith-Schuster won’t get a second contract with the Steelers.
Gauging his value
Before anyone can determine the odds of a player returning, it is important to guess what their value will be on a new contract. Given his age, talent, and similarities to other who have already been paid, Smith-Schuster’s next contract should be at least 16 million per year. This would put him right in line with Cooper Kupp. Both players have similar styles (big slot receivers) and put up similar stats. This seems like where the negotiations should start price-wise.
That said, with him possibly hitting the open market, that number could easily be higher by a million or two per year. Teams are always in need of talented receivers, and Smith-Schuster would fit well on most rosters. It isn’t unthinkable for a team with excess cap space to bump up his contract offer. I would say then that for the Steelers to sign him, his contract would have to be for the typical five years and for the value to fall between 80-90 million total (16-18 million per year).