The impending death of the Steelers: Madden: “Signing JuJu Smith-Schuster is more roster mismanagement by Steelers”


They need an offensive line more than a TikTok dude.



… they needed Dupree more than JuJu


The fall of JuJu Smith-Schuster in Pittsburgh has been disappointing. He was looked upon as being the heir-apparent to Antonio Brown as one of the top receivers in the league. 


Instead, after a great season in which he took advantage of Brown being double-team on the other side, JuJu has fallen significantly to be the point where fans felt that he was expendable. 


So, you would think that with all of the Steeler salary cap problems, the team would allow him to enter free-agency. 


But, this is the stumbling, bumbling Steeler front office that has created a team that has not come close to a Super Bowl in the past decade. 


And they showed why. 


Writer and radio commentator Mark Madden explained why the Steelers’ signing of JuJu, albeit for a paltry sum and for only one year, was an egregious mistake. 


“More roster mismanagement”


Madden begins his column in the Tribune-Review this way,


JuJu Smith-Schuster’s free agency failed miserably.


He was expected to get $12-$16 million per season on a multi-year deal. Instead, he returned to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal worth $8 million.


Reports say Smith-Schuster was offered more money by Baltimore and Kansas City, and more years and more money by Philadelphia, but returned because he loves Pittsburgh.


Mark Madden, “Signing JuJu Smith-Schuster is more roster mismanagement by Steelers,” Tribune-Review, March 20, 2021


The truth is that loving Pittsburgh is the least of the Steelers concerns. Rebuilding a team in decline should be the priority. 


Other needs more pressing


The Steelers’ offensive woes start in the offensive line and then return to running back. That money given to JuJu could have made a difference in other, more pressing areas,


It’s also certain that the Steelers made a mistake bringing him back.


The Steelers are likely to cut or trade cornerback Steven Nelson. That news broke at about the same time that Smith-Schuster re-signed. Smith-Schuster’s cap hit is diluted greatly via voidable years, so his cap figure ($2.4 million) and Nelson’s ($8.25 million) don’t match. But the timing of both moves makes it easy to think they are at least slightly connected.


The Steelers have lost four regulars on defense: Nose tackle Tyson Alualu, edge rusher Bud Dupree, slot corner Mike Hilton and inside linebacker Vince Williams. Nelson would make five.


That’s a lot to lose from the team’s strength, though the primary playmakers are still there: Inside linebacker Devin Bush, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive ends Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt and edge rusher T.J. Watt. That’s more than enough to field a good unit.


But cornerback is now a concern. Cam Sutton goes from being the No. 4 corner to starting, and Justin Layne goes from barely playing to being a regular. (Those roles could be reversed.)


Mark Madden, Tribune-Review, March 20, 2021


It seems like I am agreeing with Madden quite a bit lately. His columns over the past season have been right on target. 


Particularly this concern,


The offensive line, as currently assembled, has potential to be one of the NFL’s worst. The most reliable member seems Kevin Dotson, a fourth-round pick drafted from a Division I FBS school who just completed his rookie season.


Mark Madden, Tribune-Review, March 20, 2021


Steelers have very good WRs


Why is this terrible roster mismanagement?


Madden makes his point,


The Steelers have three other very capable wide receivers in Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson and James Washington. Tight end Eric Ebron is a de facto wide receiver, as evidenced by him having no interest in blocking.

So, what happened? This is horrific roster management. Why did the Steelers decide what they did? Why is retaining a slightly above-average performer at a position of depth more important than keeping important defensive components?


Two possibilities jump to mind:


• Ownership and management are suckers for Smith-Schuster’s charisma and popularity, and his appeal to the TikTok generation.


• GM Ben got his way.


Here’s betting the latter. Even as a lame duck, Roethlisberger seems to retain great influence.


Mark Madden, Tribune-Review, March 20, 2021


Bottom line: The Steeler franchise is in decline, and I am not confident that things will improve with it so that they can put together a winning season next year. 

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