[ad_1]
After a considerably disappointing 2020 NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster might need danced his approach to a brand new touchdown spot as soon as free company opens up. As wage cap points hit the Steelers within the decreased yr, it’s laborious to see a path for Smith-Schuster to put on the Black and Gold once more.
Two years later, we nonetheless marvel if JuJu Smith-Schuster could be a true WR1
If you happen to had requested me again in 2018, I might have advised you by now JuJu Smith-Schuster was the most effective WR within the league. I imply, how might you blame me? Whereas paired with Antonio Brown, he was unimaginable on Pittsburgh’s offense. Smith-Schuster noticed an astounding 166 targets in his second yr — fourth within the NFL and solely two behind Brown. He hauled in 111 of these passes for 1,426 receiving yards (fifth) and seven touchdowns.
Associated | Top Pittsburgh Steelers’ pending free agents in 2021
But, right here we’re two years later, questioning if he’s able to being the WR1. It’s laborious to fault 2019 in opposition to him, as Mason Rudolph couldn’t maintain a drive, and the passing recreation was non-existent.
However in 2020, with a “wholesome” Ben Roethlisberger, Smith-Schuster caught 97 of 128 targets for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns in 16 video games. Nonetheless, he was second on the staff in targets and yards to Diontae Johnson and fifth in yards per reception.
The issue is exacerbated whenever you add league-wide context to his numbers. Smith-Schuster was seventh in targets, ninth in receptions, however thirty eighth in yards.
If you happen to have a look at all 35 receivers in 2020 who noticed 100 or extra targets, Smith-Schuster is thirty first. Since 2010, there have been 378 completely different instances of a WR seeing over 100 targets in a single season. Of these receivers, JuJu’s 2020 season ranks 302nd in receiving yards.
Will a decreased 2021 wage cap influence touchdown spots for WRs like JuJu Smith-Schuster in free company?
As a consequence of misplaced income of the 2020 season, the NFL wage cap took a large hit. Adam Schefter recently reported the 2021 wage cap shall be $182.5 million. Groups are cash-strapped and have to make troublesome choices concerning veterans and the way bullish they are often in free company.
As for somebody like Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, his common annual worth might be one of many highest of this free company class at WR. Spotrac has his market value estimated at $16.1 million over a five-year, $80.727 million contract.
As a fan of the sport and in addition the Steelers, I really like JuJu Smith-Schuster. He grew on everybody from his escapades along with his bike, to his canine Boujee, and simply performing like a man residing his greatest life. Look, I feel he could be a nice large receiver, and he’s loads of the time. I’m all for a man making his bread, and I’ll by no means stand between a person and his meal. I’m firmly pro-player, and I hope he will get all the pieces he can.
However from a manufacturing vs. expectation standpoint, there’s a reliable dialog available.
The place are some doable touchdown spots that JuJu Smth-Schuster might select throughout free company in 2021?
Might the Steelers re-sign WR JuJu Smith-Schuster in free company?
As a lot as I wish to see him again, it’s not going to occur. The Steelers are going to be dealing with cap points in 2021. At present, they’re projected under the salary cap by $6.12 million however produce other urgent points. One in every of which is giving T.J. Watt the most important contract in franchise historical past.
Associated | Dynasty Wide Receiver Rankings: Top assets heading into 2021
Even JuJu Smith-Schuster is aware of he gained’t be again in Pittsburgh. In a latest stream on Twitch, he wore jerseys that viewers requested and titled the stream: “March seventeenth, FREE MAN.” Later, he posted a ballot on Instagram, asking followers if he’ll keep in Pittsburgh, with the solutions being “I hope so” and “That’s a damaging.” JuJu even voted that he could be on the lookout for a brand new touchdown spot.
The Miami Dolphins are a logical touchdown spot for JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2021’s free company interval
The Dolphins are forward of schedule of their rebuild. Miami nearly made the playoffs and has two first-round picks in 2021, together with Houston’s third total decide.
The Dolphins consider in Tua Tagovailoa (for now), and the staff could have a brand new offensive coordinator following the resignation of OC Chan Gailey.
Miami wants weapons on the skin. DeVante Parker is okay, however at instances can’t get separation. Preston Williams, whereas seemingly proficient, can’t keep wholesome. Exterior of these two, they lack one other skilled WR choice.
It’s seemingly they add one of many proficient receivers on this yr’s draft class and will usher in JuJu Smith-Schuster as nicely through free company. With the third decide, the Dolphins might draft Ja’Marr Chase from LSU and have Smith-Schuster play the slot function whereas Chase works the perimeter. They’d have two stud cross catchers, each below the age of 24, and might be collectively for one more 4 years. The wage cap can also be not a difficulty — the Dolphins have a projected cap space of $33.09 million heading into 2021.
The New York Jets are a pure touchdown spot for JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2021
The Jets have loads of cash to throw round at $69.89 million currently under the cap. They want a WR1 on their staff as nicely. Jamison Crowder is a succesful possession WR however not explosive like Smith-Schuster. The staff did choose Denzel Mims, who might be the true deal, however accidents and a subpar offense slowed his development.
New York has the second total decide, and if the Jets choose not to bring back Sam Darnold, BYU’s Zach Wilson seems to be the QB who the Jets will choose. He’ll want targets, and including JuJu Smith-Schuster could be an awesome addition to an in any other case mediocre locker room. Additionally, the town suits his character. Enjoying within the Large Apple below the intense lights is the right place for Smith-Schuster to proceed to raise his private model alongside his recreation on the sector.
New England desperately must land large receiver assist in payment company
There isn’t any staff extra devoid of offensive expertise than the New England Patriots. N’Keal Harry isn’t growing, whereas Julian Edelman is constantly banged up and 34 years previous. In 2020, their prime receiver was a UDFA from NC State (Jakobi Meyers).
On Friday, they re-signed Cam Newton on a one-year, $14 million contract, they usually can’t afford a repeat of final yr. Newton didn’t throw a landing cross to a large receiver till Week 11 of final yr. Solely 2 of his 8 landing passes had been to receivers.
The Patriots have to land a WR to take the No. 1 spot on their offense, and Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster would match that requirement.
Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster might return dwelling as he decides on his touchdown spot
Born and raised in California, Smith-Schuster even went to varsity at USC. Most of his household stay within the state, making the Los Angeles Chargers an intriguing touchdown spot for JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The Chargers are sixth in cap space ($41.45 million) and will pair Smith-Schuster up with an explosive offense led by the 2020 NFL Rookie of the Year in Justin Herbert. Additionally, there could be no strain to be the staff’s alpha: WR Keenan Allen holds that function down. Additionally, as I discussed with New York, is wherever higher for rising a model than Los Angeles?
Need extra NFL information and evaluation?
You should definitely observe us on Twitter (@PFN365) to remain updated with all issues across the NFL. Additionally, proceed to go to Pro Football Network for NFL information and in-depth evaluation regarding the 2021 season and past.
Tommy Garrett is a author for Professional Soccer Community overlaying the NFL and fantasy soccer. You possibly can learn more of his work here and observe him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.
[ad_2]
Source link
