JuJu Smith-Schuster is back with the Steelers, delivering a middle finger to the Ravens in the process.
This is so awesome.
The star wideout reportedly took less money from Pittsburgh and turned down an opportunity to join the Ravens — a bonafide Super Bowl contender. Black and Yellow runs deeper than purple.
"Can't say it enough, I love you Pittsburgh," Smith-Schuster tweeted. "Came in here a young 20 year old and you guys embraced me from the moment I got here. So much love. Had my back thru everything, all the struggles and success. So hard to leave. See you this Fall in Heinz WE'RE GOIN CRAZY!!!"
It appeared inevitable Smith-Schuster would sign elsewhere. For starters, the Steelers seldom retain their own big-name wideouts, whether it's Plaxico Burress or Mike Wallace, the Steelers have only signed two WRs to a new contract since free agency began in the 1990s, Hines Ward and Antonio Brown.
But also, the Steelers are bereft of cap space. With three 800-yard seasons under his belt, Smith-Schuster was at the top of his free agent class. He seemed out of reach, even reportedly telling his teammates he was moving on.
But the receiver market was developing slowly. Up until this point, the highest-paid wideout has been Corey Davis, who inked a three-year deal with $27 million guaranteed from the Jets.
Still, we know Smith-Schuster sacrificed money to stay here. He took "significantly less" money to remain in Pittsburgh, reports Adam Schefter, who says the Ravens made a "hard push," while the Eagles offered a lucrative multi-year deal. "Smith-Schuster loved Pittsburgh and its fan too much to leave," Schefter tweeted.
That is one sweet sentence. Smith-Schuster signing with Baltimore would've been hurt more than a Troy Polamalu head shot. Thank goodness it didn't happen.
Ultimately, Smith-Schuster signed for $8 million, meaning Nelson Agholor received twice as much guaranteed money. It speaks to the incredible confidence he must hold in not only Ben Roethlisberger, but the entire operation.
The Steelers haven't won a playoff game in eight of the last 10 seasons, and last time we saw them, they fell behind the Browns by four touchdowns before you could even finish your first beer.
And yet, JuJu didn't elect to go with the easier path. He chose to stay here, and finish what he's started.
It's telling, and downright exciting, that both Smith-Schuster and Roethlisberger took less money to play together. While the Steelers had to shave off Roethlisberger's absurd $41.25 million cap hit, he didn't have to take a $5 million pay cut. But it seems like that $5 million paved the way for JuJu to come back.
Well done.
Make no mistake: the Steelers have still suffered an array of losses: Bud Dupree, Vince Williams, Mike Hilton. They have still collapsed during their last three playoff runs, bowing out in humiliating fashion each time.
Roethlisberger also looked cooked in December. But then again, he's great from September through November …
With JuJu back in the fold, it's easy to start thinking positively. After all, the Steelers started last season 11-0.
Who's to say a deep playoff run can't happen? It's clear JuJu and Big Ben think that's in the cards. Let's go!
