According to JuJu Smith-Schuster's mother, the now Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.
Sammy Toa-Schuster posted on her Instagram story over the weekend that it wasn't about money to Smith-Schuster and his family, "it was about loyalty."
"But I guess Steelers had a new boyfriend in mind so they didn't want JuJu Anymore," added Sammy. "FYI Pittsburgh!! We fought to stay!!! If your [sic] not wanted then why? Stay!!!"
Sammy adds that he lost 400k followers on Instagram after her son signed with the Chiefs, but thanked the fans who are sticking with her.
"Thank you to the loyal family (fans_ who are still following me!!! Steeler Nations!!!"
After deciding to sign with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster said in a statement:
"Thank you for taking me in and making me a part of the family from the moment that I was drafted. You all took me in so quickly, and I really needed it. I was a wide-eyed 20-year old who was sent to the east coast away from my family for the first time in my life, and you made me feel right at home, despite all of the loneliness I should have felt.
These have been the best five years in my life. I owe so much to the fans who embraced me and who made playing on Sunday's in Pittsburgh so special. It was an honor to wear the black and gold for you all! I love you!"\
ESPN's Field Yates reports it is a one-year deal worth $10.75.
That is a pay cut from last offseason when Smith-Schuster was offered between $12-13 million from the Chiefs.
He was also offered $14 million from the Baltimore Ravens but turned both offers down to stick with the Steelers and bet on himself.
That may have been a small backfire since he got hurt early in the season and cost him the season.
