JuJu Smith-Schuster free agency 2021: Latest news, rumors, scouting report and interested teams

JuJu Smith-Schuster has — on a number of events — expressed his love for Pittsburgh, the Steelers and his want to proceed his legacy with the black and gold. Smith-Schuster’s emotions for Pittsburgh and the Steelers is mutual, because the receiver has been a fan favourite since his breakout rookie marketing campaign. 

With an infinite cap, Smith-Schuster and the Steelers would come to phrases on a multiyear contract. However in actuality, Smith-Schuster staying in Pittsburgh is tough, contemplating his anticipated market worth and the workforce’s cap limitations. For his half, Smith-Schuster has said that he’s not trying to make his market worth, which in accordance with Spotrac is roughy $16.1 million per season. Smith-Schuster stated that he desires to be paid an inexpensive value for what he brings to a workforce. He added that he’s additionally trying to be part of a workforce that yearly competes for championships. Lastly, he’s hoping to affix a workforce that has a franchise quarterback. 

With the beginning of free company simply across the nook, let’s check out Smith-Schuster’s probably touchdown spots. We’ll additionally provide a scouting report whereas offering information and notes relating to the vast receiver’s future. 

High touchdown spots 

• Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders are “very interested” in signing Smith-Schuster, ESPN Radio host John Clayton advised 93.7 ‘The Fan’ in early February. The Raiders produce other wants, however Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock can be smart to offer Derek Carr a veteran receiver, particularly if Nelson Agholor departs in free company. Smith-Schuster can be a worthwhile addition to a Raiders receiving corps that features Professional Bowl tight finish Darren Waller and receivers Hunter Renfrow and Henry Ruggs III. 
• Los Angeles Chargers: Except they plan on conserving Mike Williams long run, it could make sense for the Chargers to signal a brand new receiver and commerce Williams. As a substitute of paying Williams over $15 million in 2021 and presumably shedding him in 2022, the Chargers might signal one other veteran wideout whereas receiving property for Williams. A Los Angeles native, Smith-Schuster can be a part of an explosive offense that features Professional Bowl receiver Keenan Allen, operating again Austin Ekeler and reigning Rookie of the Yr Justin Herbert. 

• New York Jets: Smith-Schuster is shut with Sam Darnold. The 2 helped lead USC to a Rose Bowl win over Penn State earlier than starting their NFL careers. The Jets haven’t been a contender in years, however there may be some optimism in New York after the hiring of Robert Saleh, who in 2019 helped the 49ers attain the Super Bowl because the workforce’s defensive coordinator. In New York, Smith-Schuster would play within the nation’s greatest market. 
• New England Patriots: Invoice Belichick loves versatile, hard-working gamers who prioritize profitable over every part else. Smith-Schuster’s fun-loving character belies an intense competitor who as soon as performed in a sport in faculty five days after breaking his hand. The Patriots sometimes do not break the financial institution in free company, however contemplating Smith-Schuster’s distinctive skillset together with the truth that he isn’t essentially trying to obtain market worth makes this a chance. 
• Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers would absolutely like to preserve him however, as alluded to above, their wage cap scenario makes this difficult. Pittsburgh would have some flexibility if they permit Bud Dupree and several other different free brokers to signal with new golf equipment. That being stated, the Steelers should suppose large image. Diontae Johnson, the workforce’s main receiver final season, is midway by his rookie deal. The workforce additionally has to put aside future cash for Chase Claypool, who scored 11 complete touchdowns in 2020. It is not going, however the Steelers might determine to franchise tag Smith-Schuster, giving Ben Roethlisberger every of his top-three receivers in what could possibly be his last NFL season. 

Scouting report 

Professionals: Smith-Schuster will not flip 25 till the second half of the 2021 season. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 kilos, Smith-Schuster is a bodily receiver who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He has superb palms, as he caught practically 76% of the passes thrown to him in 2020. With Antonio Brown as his teammate for 2 seasons, Smith-Schuster caught 14 touchdowns and averaged practically 14 yards per catch. He caught two 97-yard touchdowns and was named the Steelers’ workforce MVP in 2018. Final season, Smith-Schuster caught 97 passes whereas serving as Ben Roethlisberger’s No. 1 choice. He’s an intense competitor and a valued chief throughout the Steelers’ receivers room. 

Cons: There are questions on Smith-Schuster’s effectiveness as a No.1 receiver. He was productive final season, however he didn’t put up the identical numbers as he did with Brown as his teammate. He averaged a career-low 8.6 yards per catch final season, however a part of that was as a result of Steelers’ up-tempo, fast passing assault. Offensive sport plan apart, the truth that Smith-Schuster’s longest play final season was simply 31 yards is trigger for concern. He is had only one 100-yard sport over the previous two years after having 11 such video games throughout his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. 

Information and notes 

• January 21: Steelers president Artwork Rooney II, throughout his annual offseason conferences with reporters, was non-committal about Smith-Schuster’s future with the franchise. “Clearly we nonetheless suppose extremely of JuJu and nonetheless suppose he’ll be an impressive participant within the league shifting ahead … (however) we are going to deal with the contract scenario when it is applicable.”
• February 18: Smith-Schuster, throughout an look on the Yinzhers Podcast, reaffirmed his desire to stick with the Steelers. And whereas the workforce has not publicly dominated out re-signing Smith-Schuster, it seems that discovering a option to preserve Dupree in Pittsburgh is a better precedence. “We would love to have the ability to preserve a Bud Dupree,” Steelers normal supervisor Kevin Colbert stated, via Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “Bud is a particular participant, and Bud and T.J. (Watt) collectively is a particular group.” 
• February 24: When requested whether or not or not he want to proceed his profession in Los Angeles, Smith-Schuster as soon as once more reiterated his want to stay in Pittsburgh. “On the finish of the day, I wish to have my legacy in Pittsburgh and retire there,” Smith-Schuster told TMZ Sports. “I do not wish to go away.”