JuJu Smith-Schuster explains why he chose the Steelers over the Ravens and Chiefs

When news hit of JuJu Smith-Schuster returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans were both confused and excited. The confusion was based on how the team was going to be able to afford to keep Smith-Schuster with limited salary cap space. The excitement was getting Smith-Schuster’s talents back for another season.

But one more question existed for all Steelers fans everywhere...

Why would Smith-Schuster choose the Steelers over other teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens? After all, if you listen to the national media, both of those teams have a better chance at success in 2021 compared to the Steelers.

So, what was the reason Smith-Schuster stayed? Why pick the Steelers over other teams? Smith-Schuster spoke with Taylor Bisciotti of the NFL Network, and answered some of those burning questions.

Check out the videos below:

It is worth noting how Smith-Schuster spoke about Matt Canada, Ike Hilliard and especially Ben Roethlisberger as main reasons why he chose to come back to the Steelers. On top of that, when you look at the two front-runners who were also interested in Smith-Schuster, you get a glimpse on why he made the choice he did.

If Smith-Schuster would have chosen the Chiefs, he would have been behind stellar receiving options like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, limiting Smith-Schuster’s overall impact. If he would have chosen Baltimore, he would have been in one of the worst passing offenses in the National Football League.

By staying in Pittsburgh he gets one more year in an offense he will be featured, with Roethlisberger in his final season, before he hits the open market again in 2022 with a larger salary cap.

Regardless of the reason, Steelers fans should be happy to see Smith-Schuster back in 2021, it gives them a better chance at succeeding. Nonetheless, the Steelers will still have more moves to make this offseason leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft to help round out their roster. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they press on through the offseason.