NFL insider reveals surprise potential landing spot for Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
As Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster gets ready for free agency, potential suitors are emerging. Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson said one team is starting to separate itself.
Wilson reported Tuesday that Smith-Schuster could wind up with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs pursued him last year before he decided to head back to Pittsburgh, but they’re apparently a team to watch once again this year.
“Now that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has retired, Smith-Schuster is interested in potentially joining the Chiefs again,” Wilson wrote. “It’s no secret in NFL circles with multiple league sources saying Smith-Schuster hopes to join the Chiefs as a free agent and has expressed that desire.”
Last year, Kansas City offered Smith-Schuster a one-year, $8 million deal with $3 million worth of incentives before he headed back to Pittsburgh, according to Wilson. It’d make an interesting tandem if Tyreek Hill returns to the Chiefs.
Smith-Schuster dealt with injuries this year, but totaled 15 catches for 129 yards in five games this year. In the Steelers’ playoff loss to the Chiefs, he had five receptions for 26 yards in a 42-21 loss in the Wild Card Round.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Diontae Johnson backs one quarterback to replace Ben Roethlisberger
The Pittsburgh Steelers have an important task ahead of them this offseason. They must replace longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger is expected to retire, meaning that the Steelers will have to look elsewhere for a new starting quarterback.
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson knows that transitioning to a new quarterback will be a process. Whoever that quarterback is, Johnson wants to build a strong connection with him. But Johnson has one leader in mind, and that is Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.
“I see a lot. Mason is a great player, great quarterback,” Johnson said, via Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper. “He’s smart. Playing with him my rookie year, he’s shown he can win us games. In those tough moments, too, he can make plays. He’s relaxed. And at times on the sideline this year, he was always on it, telling us what to look for, what coverages they mostly were in. Just throwing out plays we could use to beat certain coverages and whatnot. So, he’s a great player. I’m sure he’s going to work his tail off to compete for the starting job. I’m pulling for him.”
Tthe Steelers drafted Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He saw the most action of his career in 2019, attempting 283 passes and throwing for 1,765 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In his three-year NFL career, Rudolph has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,366 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.