5 replacement options for Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2021

The Steelers will likely be in need of a new starting slot receiver, and these five options make the most sense for the team.

While JuJu Smith-Schuster found quite a bit of success while playing for the Steelers, his time with the team is seemingly coming to a close. While as of this writing he has yet to be given a new contract, odds are the team won’t be able to afford him. This leaves a major hole at receiver, and it is one that will need to be filled. Here are the five slot receiver options that make sense for the Steelers in 2021.

Laquon Treadwell

If the Steelers want to go completely bottom of the barrel, they could target former first-round bust Laquon Treadwell this offseason. His market isn’t likely to be that hot, so the team could scoop him up on the minimum. He has limited upside, but he presents a similar physical slot presence that the team is set to lose with Smith-Schuster.

Treadwell has had a disastrous career since turning pro. He was once hyped as a top draft prospect before falling due to athletic concerns. He never showed enough as a pro to warrant being anything more than a depth player, and while his former first-round status sounds appealing, it would be surprising if he becomes an actual reclamation project.

What he would provide is a player that can take some snaps in the slot and provide a physical presence in a room of speedy receivers. Adding Treadwell wouldn’t stop the Steelers from drafting a receiver, but it gives them a capable veteran if they need one. Again, long-term this deal wouldn’t amount to much, but signing Treadwell would be a fine enough veteran assuming a rookie is also added into the mix.