JuJu Smith-Schuster had the chance to develop into a Kansas Metropolis Chief final season. He turned them down, selecting to stick with Pittsburgh one other season.
He wouldn’t flip the Chiefs down twice.
Smith-Schuster signed a one-year deal value as much as $10.75 million on Friday, although the deal is filled with incentives that make up the vast majority of the contract. In his first press convention as a Chief, he defined why he accepted Andy Reid’s provide this time round.
“I simply thought this chance match extra for me,” he advised reporters through the Chiefs’ YouTube web page. “Within the sense of coming right here and enjoying for Andy and clearly the OC and everybody else. Seeing the chance the place I can show my expertise and see what I can do.”
By signing with the Chiefs, he’ll be a part of certainly one of offense’s most potent offenses surrounded by weapons like Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and, in fact, Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball. To listen to it from Smith-Schuster’s camp, the Steelers weren’t all that in bringing him again however Smith-Schuster mentioned the prospect to play – and win – in KC was onerous to show down.
“It was a giant a part of the method. You go into free company and you discover out who’s going to be throwing you the ball subsequent yr. It got here all the way down to [Patrick Mahomes]. I’m excited. I’m pleased with my choice.”
Even when the Steelers confirmed reputable curiosity, convincing him to return to Pittsburgh was a tall process. The Steelers are writing a brand new chapter and gained’t be thought-about one of many high 5 groups within the AFC whereas the Chiefs enter one other yr as one of many favorites. Smith-Schuster repeatedly mentioned he returned final season for 2 major causes, Ben Roethlisberger and WRs Coach Ike Hilliard. Roethlisberger retired and Hilliard was let go, making it clear Smith-Schuster was going to go elsewhere.
Regardless of a down 2021 that included a shoulder harm that prompted him to overlook many of the season, Smith-Schuster mentioned he doesn’t want he would’ve accomplished issues in another way.
“I’ve no regrets on my choice final yr.”
After taking one-year offers in consecutive seasons, he’ll attempt to rebuild his market worth in 2022 as a part of the Chiefs’ passing assault. They need to be capable of get him the ball downfield greater than the Steelers did his remaining three years, which is able to improve his odds of a long-term deal this time subsequent yr.
