Buy or Avoid: Steelers jersey buying guide for 2018
If you’re like me, you approach buying your football jerseys very carefully. Some people like to have a stockpile of them, but others only keep one or two in the closet. When you’re a part of the latter, like me, and don’t buy a new jersey often, a lot of thought must be put into your purchase. You must consider many factors including age, skill, and contract status.
Do you roll with the superstar? The breakout candidate? The hot rookie? It’s a tough decision, and I’m here to help you make the best investment with your money.
Keep in mind though, if buying a certain players jersey will make you happy, the don’t let me stop you. Treat yourself and buy that Jaylen Samuels jersey if it’ll bring you joy.
Here’s my two cents…
Buy: Antonio Brown
What more can be said about Antonio Brown? He is the best wide receiver in the league and may go down as the best wide receiver in Steelers history. He’ll be one of those players like Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Troy Polamalu where people still wear his jerseys even after he’s been retired for years. Just buy it guys.
Avoid: Le’Veon Bell
While Le’Veon Bell is a fantastic player, his jersey wouldn’t be the wisest investment. If you’ve been living under a rock, then you should know that Bell and the Steelers failed to agree on a long-term contract and 2018 will likely be his last with the team. While it’s certainly possible the two parties can come to a deal in 2019, that scenario seems very unlikely. Save your money and avoid this one.
Buy: JuJu Smith-Schuster
Probably the biggest breakout star of the 2017 season, JuJu Smith-Schuster’s jersey is almost guaranteed to be a top seller. Not only did he prove he’s a tough-as-nails receiver and big playmaker, JuJu also radiates charisma and makes watching football fun. Every week we all look forward to what his next celebration will be. While there’s some risk here given that the Steelers have let their wide receivers walk in the past, I think JuJu will be a Steelers for a long time.
Avoid: Vance McDonald
I love Vance McDonald and I’m very excited to see what he can do with a full offseason under his belt and a clean bill of health… but, I’m not so confident he can stay healthy. McDonald showed how big of an impact he could have with the Steelers, but he hasn’t showed he can consistently remain on the field. He needs to show this before anybody can have confidence in him being in the Steelers long term plans
Buy: T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt flashed a ton as a rookie and I don’t see his ascension slowing down. There’s no need to worry about him being Jarvis Jones 2.0 after seeing him make big plays both as a pass rusher and in coverage. With a full year under his belt, and his already elite athleticism, he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2018.
Avoid: Bud Dupree
Buying a Bud Dupree jersey would be a big gamble. While he has all the athleticism and hustle you want to see, he hasn’t proven to be a good pass rusher or playmaker. Dupree is capable of starting and if he’s willing to take a modest deal in the future he could remain with the team, however, if he’s looking for a big payday then I don’t anticipate that coming from the Steelers (or any team really).
Buy: Stephon Tuitt
Stephon Tuitt is a prime jersey to buy right now. Not only is he getting better every year and on his way to being a top-tier defensive end in the league, but he also just signed a 5-year contract last year. You know he’ll be great and you know he’ll be with the team for a long time, sounds like the perfect jersey purchase to me.
