3 Steelers free agents-to-be who have earned new contracts in 2022
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a number of players with expiring contracts in 2022, but these soon-to-be free agents have earned new deals.
The 2021 season will soon be coming to a close, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have some very important decisions to make that will help shape the future of this organization. As the end of an era nears, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert will be tasked with the responsibility of reshaping this team through the draft and free agency.
Though Pittsburgh has several players who are sure to test the market in 2022, there are some players with expiring contracts worth keeping. Here are three who have earned new deals with the team beyond the 2021 season:
Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu Smith-Schuster was injured in just his fifth NFL game this year and would go on to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury. While he was on pace to have the worst statistical season of his NFL career, there is more than enough reason to want to bring him back in 2022 and beyond.
Outside of Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh’s wide receiver play has been shaky at best this season, and the next quarterback for the Steelers — whoever that might be — could really use a reliable receiver over the middle of the field.
In addition, JuJu should come at an affordable price after being injured and not having great statistical production since 2018. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of all the TikTok and social media or not, Smith-Schuster is a player who is worth retaining if the price is right.