Star WR JuJu Smith-Schuster suggests he’s not returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers : Sportsnaut

JuJu Smith-Schuster is among the many prime skill-position gamers set to his NFL free company subsequent week. The star Pittsburgh Steelers large receiver is prone to money in with an enormous pay day.

Sadly, it doesn’t appear to be mentioned pay day goes to be from the cash-strapped Steelers. They opted towards inserting the franchise tag on any of their impending free brokers prior to the deadline earlier this week, Smith-Schuster included. Pittsburgh additionally has a ton of different free brokers to fret about.

Only in the near past, Smith-Schuster took to social media and appeared to trace at what course he’s leaning with free company getting going right here quickly.

Learn Extra: Top 50 NFL free agents of 2021

JuJu Smith-Schuster hints that he’s not returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Sports Illustrated only recently ran a ballot on Instagram with two choices. They included “I hope so” and “that’s a damaging.” The previous USC standout opted for the latter.

It is a clear indication Smith-Schuster believes that he’s headed to a different NFL metropolis as soon as the negotiating window opens up on March 15.

One of many more-productive receivers within the NFL because the Steelers made him a second-round decide again in 2017, Smith-Schuster will probably be met with a stable market.

He tallied 97 receptions for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns whereas catching a convincing 75.8% of his targets from Ben Roethlisberger a season in the past. Again in 2018, the still-young 24-year-old receiver hauled in 111 passes for 1,427 yards in Pittsburgh. Evidently, different groups might use that manufacturing.

Learn Extra: NFL salary cap tracker: Where each team stands in 2021

The place will JuJu Smith-Schuster land in free company?

The Miami Dolphins are expected to have interest in the entire top-end pass-catchers set to his NFL free company. That can clearly embrace Smith-Schuster. Miami at present has $33.1 million in room below the 2021 NFL wage cap and might create much more room with a couple of different strikes right here quickly.

As for the groups with essentially the most cash to spend, the Indianapolis Colts might make sense. They’re on the verge of shedding longtime receiver T.Y. Hilton in free company. Flush with $48.07 million in cap room, Indianapolis common supervisor Chris Ballard wants to search out extra weapons for the recently-acquired Carson Wentz.

Two west-coast groups in that of the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders would additionally make sense for the California native. JuJu Smith-Schuster is an elite slot possibility. Positive San Francisco doesn’t have a ton of room to spend below the cap, however it wants assist in the slot. In the meantime, the Raiders might view him as an improve over present slot man Hunter Renfrow.

As for the large receiver’s market, he’s doubtless taking a look at top-six cash at that place in free company. One thing to the tune of $18 million yearly over 5 seasons might make sense.

Then once more, Smith-Schuster may be part of others in taking a one-year deal to be able to hit the NFL free agent market in 2022 when the cap is anticipated to extend a ton.

Keep in mind, the 2021 NFL wage cap has been impacted large time by the income downfall across the league final season because of COVID-19. With the league anticipating followers within the stands subsequent season and a soon-to-be signed large tv contract, that gained’t be a problem subsequent March.

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