3 Players the Steelers Won't Be Able to Afford if They Sign JuJu Smith-Schuster to Long-Term Extension

JuJu Smith-Schuster's contract runs through 2020, and there's no telling if the Steelers will be able to afford him, especially if they'd rather bring back some weapons on their rapidly-ascending defense. With Pittsburgh's depth at the wide receiver position, and ability to develop mid-round rookies rather quickly, letting Smith-Schuster walk or finding a new home for him via trade makes more sense than one would think.

But if they do sign him to an extension, the Steelers may not be able to afford these guys.

3. Joe Haden

Joe Haden is getting up there in age at 30, but he remains the team's top corner and can be counted on one-on-one on the outside. Considering Pittsburgh's tendency to blitz early and often, Haden is heavily relied upon despite being one of the more under-appreciated cornerbacks in all of football. Losing the Florida product is not a reality Kevin Colbert would like to face.

2. Bud Dupree

Bud Dupree had a breakout season in 2019 on a contract year, so the Steelers opted to bring him back on the franchise tag. While there's no guarantee Pittsburgh can sign him long term given the large contract Dupree will request if he can back up his dominant campaign with another, any chance of that likely goes out the window if the Steelers spend what little money they have on a Smith-Schuster extension.

1. Cam Heyward

Heyward has long been the best player on Pittsburgh's defensive line, and even as age enters the equation, the Steelers would be best served to bring him back. The Ohio State product is entering the final year of his deal, and while he won't command a monstrous new contract, signing Smith-Schuster makes keeping the longtime Steeler a tougher task than it has to be.