In a recent Q&A with Pittsburgh Steelers fans, Ed Bouchette of The Athletic had some surprising answers regarding the long-term relationship with the Steelers and Pro Bowl wideout Juju Smith-Schuster.

With Smith-Schuster entering the final year of his rookie contract, it’s natural for fans to wonder whether he’ll be resigned long-term after the 2020 season. When Bouchette was asked if the Steelers will resign the 23-year-old receiver, he responded with “not likely.”

Fans have every right to be pretty shocked by this, especially since Smith-Schuster has been so productive early on in his career. After a stellar rookie campaign, Juju followed it up with a Pro Bowl year in 2018. He totaled 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns, earning himself team MVP in the process.

With Antonio Brown out of the equation in 2019, Smith-Schuster figured to be the focal point of the Steelers offense. Unfortunately, with Juju now the No. 1 receiver, he failed to live up to the expectations, having his worst statistical season as a pro.

He finished the 2019 season with just 42 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns. The numbers don’t tell the entire story, though. He battled injury throughout the year, missing four games total. And he also didn’t have his starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, all season. With Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges shuffling in and out as the starting quarterback, it would’ve been difficult for any receiver to thrive in those circumstances.

The percentage of accurate passes thrown Juju’s way dropped from 61.4 in 2017 and 2018 to 50. 8 in 2019. Once again proving Smith-Schuster’s down year wasn’t entirely his fault.

Having some concern with Smith-Schuster is somewhat warranted, given the fact that his drop percentage nearly doubled in 2019, but it’s not fair to assume Pittsburgh will just let him walk at the end of this upcoming season.

He’s only 23 and has shown All Pro potential. There’s just no justification in moving on from him at this point in his career.