5 veterans the Steelers could trade away for draft capital in 2022

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

This potential trade probably isn’t going to sit well with fans as JuJu Smith-Schuster is perhaps the most popular player on the team and is arguably the most consistent offensive player the Steelers have. However, it’s for these reasons that he could also fetch the biggest return of the group in a trade.

Though teams had their shot at JuJu in free agency and could have bought him for a discount price because of the pandemic, he still holds value to contenders this year. A team like the Chiefs or Ravens (who originally tried to sign him) would love to add him to their arsenal of weapons — even with Kansas City recently adding Josh Gordon.

So far this year, JuJu has done nothing to hurt his value, as he has been quite impressive despite very poor play from Ben Roethlisberger. Unfortunately, the former second-round pick will get to choose where he goes in 2022, and with much more money to go around next offseason, he could go to the highest bidder.

If the Steelers are serious about rebuilding and trying to fix this offense for next year, it could cost them shipping JuJu away to a team in need of a wide recevier. The former Pro Bowler could no doubt fetch a fourth-round pick and probably even a third to a team out there – especially if they think they can get him signed long-term.