Many Steeler fans seem to be underestimating Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and James Washington quite a bit during the 2021 offseason. It seems Steeler Nation has been divided in regards to JuJu Smith-Schuster. Some want JuJu Smith-Schuster off of the team and some would be willing to pay $20 million dollars a year just to keep him. Yes, there really are people who would pay that just so they can enjoy more entertainment off of the field. What JuJu Smith-Schuster does off the football field doesn't bother me at all. What bothers me is the quality of football being played on the field.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has played good football in the slot position, but he is not a WR1. Therefore he should not be overpaid by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let me make this clear just because I don't think JuJu should be paid WR1 money doesn't mean I don't like him. It's just being realistic. Why should the Steelers overpay JuJu Smith-Schuster when they already have capable wide receivers on the team?
Dionate Johnson put up 923 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in 2020. He was targeted 144 times by Ben Roethlisberger! Yes, he had his issues with dropping the ball at times, but that was mental. He was benched, manned up, and went back onto the football field, and finally balled. Chase Claypool had one heck of a rookie season. He was limited too! Claypool put up 873 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He was named Rookie of the Year with the Pittsburgh Steelers and showed he can be a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
James Washington is the most underrated Steeler on the team. He often gets overlooked by many fans and the media because he has a quiet personality. When his number is called he shows up and delivers every single time. Washington did not get to play as much as the other wide receivers, but he still managed to put up 392 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.
The point I am trying to make is the Steelers will be alright if JuJu Smith-Schuster walks in the offseason. It will not put the Steelers in a bad position if JuJu joins another team. The Steelers could also draft a wide receiver in the NFL draft this season to also help bring more help in case the other receivers went down during the season, but I feel Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and James Washington will be just fine if JuJu Smith-Schuster decides to walk. If JuJu Smith-Schuster decides to stay on a friendly deal that would be even better, but I have faith in the Steelers receivers regardless of the outcome of JuJu Smith-Schuster.