Steelers JuJu Smith-Schuster will not be ‘X’ receiver in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost one of their best players in Antonio Brown this offseason. JuJu Smith-Schuster sheds some light on his role in 2019.

If you were wondering who would take over Antonio Brown’s role as the Steelers ‘X’ receiver in 2019, I can tell you this: it will not be JuJu Smith-Schuster.

In a recent article from TribLIVE, Tim Benz captured some words from the mouth of JuJu himself on playing the ‘X’ receiver role for the Steelers in 2019. JuJu, however, put that thought to rest right away:

"“No, that’s definitely not for me. I’m the guy that plays everywhere around. Inside, outside, even playing tight end this year when we go five wide. We’ve got guys who can play everywhere. Not just one position. We are centering off of one person.”"

JuJu made it clear that he is not going to be the ‘X’ receiver some fans were thinking he might this season. In fact, it sounds like his role isn’t going to change much at all. JuJu will still be the receiver that is flexed all over the field.

The Steelers will no doubt make it a point to find creative ways to get the ball in the hands of their best skill player this season. However, this begs the question: if not JuJu, than who will be the ‘X’ receiver for the Steelers this season?

There are essentially three options for this role: James Washington, Donte Moncrief, and Diontae Johnson.

James Washington struggled in his first NFL season in 2018, but his teammates say he looks like an improved player this offseason. In college, Washington excelled with his ability to beat press and catch the ball in traffic, but he has a tough transition to deal with going from the Big 12 to an NFL offense.

Donte Moncrief possesses traits to potentially serve as an ‘X’ for the Steelers, but has never lived up to his billing, and has been underwhelming most of his NFL career.

Rookie Diontae Johnson was perhaps the best receiver in college football last season at beating press and creating separation. The Steelers fell in love with Johnson in the draft, and there is good reason to believe that Pittsburgh’s brass views him as an ‘X’ receiver in the pros.

We don’t know exactly how the Steelers wide receivers will sort themselves out in 2019. I would have the think that Pittsburgh would give former 2nd round pick, James Washington, a look. They also spent good money on Donte Moncrief in free agency.

At the end of the day, it may be the Steelers goal to have Diontae Johnson follow in Antonio Brown’s footsteps. There is one thing we know for sure: JuJu will not be taking on the role of the ‘X’ receiver in 2019.