Here's Why the Steelers Shouldn't Give JuJu Smith-Schuster a Contract Extension Just Yet

The 2017 NFL Draft class is approaching its contract season, and plenty of players will see decisions made about their futures in the coming weeks. With players such as JuJu Smith-Schuster set to become free agents at the end of 2020, contract extension offers will soon be on the table.

In the case of Smith-Schuster, however, it may be wise for the Pittsburgh Steelers to hold off on an extension. At only 23 years of age, JuJu is the heir to Antonio Brown in the Steel City and is certainly a dangerous weapon for the Pittsburgh offense. Yet, there is still some reason for the Steelers front office to hold off on a long-term deal for the time being.

One of the most important attributes for any player in the NFL is durability. With that in mind, Smith-Schuster has only had one season out of his first three in which he played all 16 games, and missed four games in 2019. The chances that he gets hobbled again in 2020 are there. The Steelers wouldn't be wrong to hold off on handing him the bag unless he can prove an ability to stay healthy.

Despite a capable defense, injuries on the offensive side of the ball significantly contributed to the Steelers missing the playoffs last season. While losing Ben Roethlisberger was a huge blow, Smith-Schuster missing a quarter of the campaign was detrimental as well. Quite simply, the young wideout has more to prove before he fully earns a rich contract extension,