JuJu Smith-Schuster will become a free agent soon. It is unlikely that the Pittsburgh Steelers can bring him back so many teams will likely try to bring the receiver to their franchise.
Smith-Schuster has become one of the best slot receivers in the NFL ever since being draft by the Steelers out of USC. He has also become one of the most recognizable athletes in the sport with his consistent social media status. He has branded his name well and that has brought him a lot of success. Even with social media, his play on the field will warrant him a nice contract come this offseason.
He has consistently said that his wish is to re-sign with the black and gold. That dream is starting to grow distant as Pittsburgh has a monumental debt to get out of before they can even dream for a free agent acquisition or re-signing of their players. His market when the free agency negotiations begin will be larger than others. He is a great player that brings his unique attitude and character into a locker room. He will likely find money outside of the Steel City no matter if his wishes of staying are pure or not.
NFL teams will likely see Smith-Schuster as a possible number one target and pay him like so but he is more dominant in the slot-role. Some teams not named on this list that could be interested in him could be the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and many more.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are struggling to find an answer ever since Tom Brady left for Tampa Bay. Their offense is very stale and struggled to find consistency last season. This year they’ll look for a quarterback and some receivers. They have the money to pitch out to free agents as they desperately seek redemption from this previous outing. This franchise is notoriously “hush-hush” so this might be a surprise for many to see Bill Belichick want to sign an outgoing personality that Smith-Schuster brings with him. The main issues that the Patriots have had are drafting and developing their receivers. Bringing in JuJu would wipe away that cause for concern and add a solid player.
They have the money to spend so it would not be a problem to attain him financially when free agency begins. As for Smith-Schuster, he would get the money that he deserves and a stable franchise that could become successful in the next couple of seasons. They need a solid quarterback and weapons so this would be a win-win signing for both sides. Many Steelers fans would not like seeing him wear this jersey but it just makes a lot of sense. The fit is there for both the player and the team, this had to be brought up into consideration.
Las Vegas Raiders
Vegas has been rumored to be interested in Smith-Schuster before the legal tampering period started. That could involve an investigation over time but that will be found out at a later date. The Raiders need some more weapons to go beside Henry Ruggs and Darren Waller in that offense.
Derek Carr might not be the best quarterback in the NFL but he can be a solid starter. He does mistakes from time to time but building talent around him will give him every opportunity to turn this team into a playoff contender. It would be an interesting fit for the receiver in a big city like Las Vegas. It would be a very good landing spot for his brand. He would also be closer to his family that still lives in Los Angeles.
Joining the silver and black would be a new look on the former USC product but something he might welcome. He would no longer be in a cold climate and would turn to an indoor arena that was just constructed. Only time will tell where JuJu plays next year but keep a close eye on Vegas as the offseason starts. They currently have 18 million in cap space. Not that much but that could be increased as cuts and contract restructures happen.
New York Jets
This has long been rumored ever since some reported that Smith-Schuster wants to play in a big market. His brand is very important to him and expanding that would involve a move to a big city like New York. This could give him even greater opportunities but it would cost him. This is a struggling franchise that is hoping to turn a page and be competitive in the next of couple seasons. He would have to endure a rebuild and if that is something he is willing to do, then the Jets seem like a potential front-runner. Sam Darnold was his college quarterback at USC so that connection is also there. Darnold is involved in trade rumors yet again so maybe by the time JuJu signs, his former quarterback could be gone.
The Jets have some of the most cash to spend when free agency opens. They will likely look to patch holes for this team as there are many to fill. They currently have around 67.9 million in cap space to spend. Adding a receiver for this poor offense will be high on their list of needs. Smith-Schuster could also bring more attention to the franchise in a positive way through his social media platforms as this team needs good PR.
Smith-Schuster will have a lot of suitors when free agency opens up. He wants to return to the Steelers but it is unlikely with how many money issues the team has.