Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has hinted at times this year that he would like to remain with Pittsburgh after this season, the final year of his contract.
In a post to his Instagram story, Smith-Schuster said, “No cap (no lie), I wouldn’t mind staying here another 4 years.”
While JuJu, the Steelers and fans might want him to stay in Pittsburgh, it’s not as easy as that.
The team has contracts coming for several key players.
Linebacker Bud Dupree, running back James Conner and Smith-Schuster are just some of the players up for new deals.
Dupree is playing on the franchise tag this season, but is out for the rest of the year with a torn ACL.
If Ben Roethlisberger returns, he will have an over $42 cap it to the salary and the Steelers need to sign T.J. Watt to a big, long-term deal next year.
The Steelers have a team option to keep him for around $10 million next season and could put the franchise tag on him in 2022.
So far this season, Smith-Schuster has 82 catches for 670 yards with seven touchdowns.
He has also taken on a more physical presence this year, similar to Hines Ward.