The Pittsburgh Steelers have publicly stated they will not be trading wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to to the San Francisco 49ers.
Although JuJu — who is in the last year of his rookie contract — struggled last season amid a change in quarterbacks and a number of durability issues, the Steelers are committed to retaining their top wideout (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk):
As receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster‘s fourth season approaches, some have wondered aloud whether the 2018 Steelers MVP won’t get a big-money second contract in Pittsburgh. That chatter possibly has fueled rumors that Smith-Schuster could be traded as his fourth NFL season approaches, to the 49ers.
With those rumors barely registering on the NFL rumor-mill radar screen, the Steelers mobilized, letting multiple reporters know that Smith-Schuster won’t be traded to the 49ers.
The Niners are in need of a top wideout after losing Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, but it seems the trade speculation is unfounded.
JuJu Smith-Schuster had a huge 2018 campaign, hauling in 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he posted just 42 receptions for 552 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games in 2019 as his catch rate fell by nearly seven percent.
Despite JuJu's down season and the fact he is in the last year of his contract, however, there is no real reason the Steelers would look to trade him.
Ben Roethlisberger will be back at quarterback for Pittsburgh, and the Steelers also boasted one of the best defenses in the NFL last year.
Pittsburgh is in desperate need of potential offensive game-changers. If JuJu can rediscover his 2018 form with Roethlisberger under center, the Steelers might be one of the top teams in the AFC.
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