JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts towards the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Financial institution Discipline on November 22,
JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts towards the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Financial institution Discipline on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Michael Reaves | Getty Photographs
If the Pittsburgh Steelers need to re-sign star large receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a long-term deal, the membership might want to negotiate with a distinct agent.
Smith-Schuster departed company Roc Nation, which entertainer Jay Z based, and joined revered Nationwide Soccer League agent Chafie Fields at Wasserman Media Group’s sports activities division, the company introduced on Monday. Smith-Schuster joins a roster led by Fields that features Dallas Cowboys wideout Amari Cooper and San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead.
Fields, the agency’s the manager president of group sports activities, additionally added Nationwide Basketball Affiliation star James Harden to his purchasers in January.
Smith-Schuster, 24, signed a one-year pact with the Steelers price $eight million after producing 97 catches for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns within the 2020 season. His finest season got here in 2018 when he made the Professional Bowl following 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and 7 touchdowns.
By signing a one-year settlement, Smith-Schuster is actually betting on himself that he’ll produce a greater season statistically and keep away from a big harm. Therefore, he may very well be some of the sought-after gamers within the 2022 free company class and money in on the next wage cap that would attain $208 million, up from $182.5 for the 2021 season.
At the moment, Cooper’s five-year, $100 million contract is the most costly deal within the NFL for a receiver. Fields negotiated that deal within the 2020 offseason. Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins ($27.2 million) and new Tennessee Titans wideout Julio Jones ($22 million) are the highest-paid per yr, in line with Spotrac.
So, if he produces and makes one other Professional Bowl, its doubtless Smith-Schuster will search a brand new deal in that cash vary.
NFL coaching camps begin subsequent month for the 2021 marketing campaign. After its pandemic season that restricted most followers, the league expects golf equipment to permit full attendance.