Report: Raiders “very interested” in JuJu Smith-Schuster

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Of the varied looming free brokers in Pittsburgh, one identify creates essentially the most intrigue: JuJu Smith-Schuster.

The staff’s MVP in 2018 (a vote that prompted receiver Antonio Brown to drive his method out of city), Smith-Schuster’s rookie deal is expiring. Absent a brand new contract or the franchise tag, Smith-Schuster will hit the open market on March 17.

John Clayton of 710 ESPN in Seattle mentioned just lately on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh that the Raiders are “very interested” in signing Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster might fill the Nelson Agholor function within the Las Vegas offense, because the complement to speedster Henry Ruggs. Agholor turns into a free agent, too, and his choice to tear into teammates might trigger the Raiders to look elsewhere.

Smith-Schuster is a tricky, hard-nosed, efficient receiver. He’s not a No. 1, nevertheless. The Steelers tried that in 2019. He lacks the flexibility to draw double protection. Throughout from somebody who does, Smith-Schuster may be extremely efficient.

It will likely be attention-grabbing to see whether or not the Steelers can work one thing out with Smith-Schuster earlier than he hits the market, or whether or not they even need to. They’ve obtained loads of proficient receivers who’re nonetheless working underneath rookie contracts.

Additionally, between his dancing on opposing groups’ logos and his “Browns is the Browns” remark earlier than the playoff loss to Cleveland, the Steelers might need to transfer ahead with guys who gained’t be giving additional motivation to the groups the Steelers play.