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The Las Vegas Raiders enter one other NFL offseason searching for to make vital modifications after failing to make the playoffs once more. As Jon Gruden and Co. look to reshape the Raiders offense earlier than the 2021 season, they may have their eye on JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Las Vegas is already planning its first large transfer this spring, with broad receiver Tyrell Williams set to be launched when the 2021 league 12 months opens. The transfer ought to assist create vital cap area, a obtrusive downside for the Raiders and different NFL groups this offseason. With Williams gone and Marcus Mariota on the trade block, Las Vegas could possibly be poised to open up its wallets as soon as once more.
According to NFL insider John Clayton, the Las Vegas Raiders are very curious about signing Smith-Schuster this offseason. An unrestricted free agent, the 24-year-old is anticipated to check the market and could be atop Gruden’s want checklist.
Smith-Schuster hasn’t performed to the extent we noticed in his breakout 2018 season. With Antonio Brown taking consideration from opponents, Smith-Schuster had loads of room to function in one-on-one protection working out of the slot. He erupted for 111 receptions, 1,426 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. In simply his first two seasons, the previous second-round decide racked up 2,343 receiving yards and 14 scores in 30 video games and seemed like an NFL star.
Issues have spiraled down since that spectacular stretch. He performed in 12 video games throughout the 2019 season, and his contributions have been enormously affected by Ben Roethlisberger’s harm. Smith-Schuster snagged simply 42 catches for 552 receiving yards in his third NFL season. Massive Ben returned in 2020, however Smith-Schuster’s position within the offense modified.
Diontae Johnson turned the playmaker in Pittsburgh’s passing assault, shoving Smith-Schuster right into a a lot smaller position. After averaging 13.7 yards per catch throughout his first three seasons, he averaged 8.6 yards per catch this previous 12 months. The Steelers used him totally to maneuver the chains, with 48 of his 97 receptions going for first downs.
He additionally brings loads of antics, and the Steelers appear open to letting him stroll, which ought to elevate some considerations. Since this will probably be his first alternative to land a life-changing contract, he may signal with the group that makes him the biggest provide. There’s an opportunity Smith-Schuster may return to kind in Las Vegas, with Gruden unleashing the playmaker we noticed a number of years in the past. However the danger is simple, and Las Vegas ought to think about bettering its protection earlier than including one other weapon on offense.
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