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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is entering the final year of his rookie contract and there has been no conversation about working on an extension this offseason. This means Smith-Schuster goes into his final year on his contract as a lame duck and needs to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 season.
But Smith-Schuster isn’t worried about his contract right now. Smith-Schuster spoke to the media on Monday morning ahead of the team’s first padded practice and was asked multiple times about a new contract and his feelings on it.
Smith-Schuster kept the focus on football and his desire to win games without worrying about a new deal. “I’d love to be a Steeler, but at the end of the day, I’m here to play ball and win games,” Smith-Schuster said.
2018 was a breakout season for Smith-Schuster. He along with Antonio Brown paired up to be one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL. Smith-Schuster finished with 111 receptions and looked like he was ready to take over as the team’s No. 1 weapon in the passing game.
Then 2019 happened and the quarterback situation fell apart. Now Smith-Schuster needs to prove himself all over again with Ben Roethlisberger back under center. The hope is the Steelers and Smith-Schuster can work out a new contract next offseason but it’s great to see Smith-Schuster doesn’t seem to be worried about it right now.
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