Former Pittsburgh Steelers' Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster Could Join AFC North Rival, Baltimore Ravens

Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, has lived in the headlines for the last few weeks. Between a Super Bowl victory and a subsequent feud with Philadelphia Eagles' receiver, AJ Brown, all eyes have been on Smith-Schuster. 

The receiver from the University of Southern California was selected by the Steelers with the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After arriving in Pittsburgh, it didn't take long for Smith-Schuster to become a fan favorite. As the youngest player selected in the 2017 draft, fans took a liking to his enthusiastic personality, and team-first attitude and his stats did the talking for themself.

Smith-Schuster soon became a reliable WR2 alongside superstar Antonio Brown. The young receiver had 58 receptions for 917 yards and seven touchdowns during his rookie season. A strong rookie campaign earned him more targets in year two, and quickly the receiver had become a crucial component for the black and gold’s productive offense. Smith-Schuster earned team MVP following his 2018 season where he accumulated 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 catches. His antics won Steeler Nation over, but WR1, Brown, wasn’t pleased as Smith-Schuster took the limelight.

Smith-Schuster’s team MVP award is widely viewed as the final straw for Brown in Pittsburgh. After demanding a trade to the then-Oakland Raiders, Smith-Schuster was a no-brainer to step into the WR1 role. However, between personal injuries and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s absence, the 2019 season was bleak for the fan-favorite.

With a generational talent in Brown, filling his shoes wasn’t an easy task nor one that could be done single-handedly. The Steelers loaded up on receivers like Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool and built one of the strongest receiving corps in the NFL, which was particularly evident during the 2020 season. 

Unfortunately, teams are faced with a dilemma of talented players expecting high pay following the “honeymoon stage” being the rookie contract. The two parties were able to agree to a one-year deal, in which Smith-Schuster was sidelined due to injury. As the 2021 season came to a close, so did Smith-Schuster’s time in the 412.

A Year-Long Opportunity For Smith-Schuster

After his first free agency, in which the Steelers were able to retain the player for another year, two names surfaced as interested in the receiver: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. Due to this, it wasn’t a shock when Smith-Schuster accepted a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. The year-long contract served as an opportunity to prove that he was WR1 material. After a 2022 Super Bowl-winning season consisting of 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns, the receiver will now be seeking a long-term and higher-paying contract.

It Could Now Be Back Down To Those 2 Original Teams For Smith-Schuster’s Next Home

There’s a chance that the Chiefs will attempt to retain the receiver. With an already expensive roster and Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes leading the show, there’s also a high probability that the receiver will have to relocate. There’s high speculation that the former Steelers receiver could be headed to one of the original teams who expressed interest, AFC North rival, the Ravens.

The Ravens have had an unlucky offseason so far. They’ve been faced with never-ending contract negotiations with quarterback Lamar Jackson. A recent feud between general manager Eric DeCosta and Rashod Bateman doesn’t help with the negative press either. The Ravens have a dual threat in signal-caller Jackson and a talented tight-end in Mark Andrews. The team continues to need a receiver.

As Smith-Schuster is a free agent, the Ravens will likely make an effort with the player they previously showed interest in. With the probability increasingly higher that Jackson won't be returning, the Ravens could have money to spend on the offense. At this stage in his career, Smith-Schuster will want a long-term deal. This makes Baltimore a strong option for the player. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will the once beloved Pittsburgh player turn to the dark side with the Ravens? Sound off in the comments below.

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