The Pittsburgh Steelers may reunite with former Pro Bowler wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason. According to a report, the Patriots may be moving on from the veteran if he doesn’t show any improvement at training camp next month. A source says that he may not make the 53-man roster after having one of the most disappointing campaigns in New England. However, no one should expect for the wideout to return to Pro Bowl form since his production has been winding down.
If he could remain healthy, he would still be a reliable asset for the Steelers who are trying to find a replacement for Diontae Johnson. There were rumors this offseason that the Steelers were looking to trade for Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in this year’s draft but those talks didn’t go anywhere. Pittsburgh was trying to strike a shocking offer to the 49ers but they have no desire to trade none of them. However, there hasn’t been luck in bringing in a veteran who can team alongside George Pickens to add more weapons to beef up the competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Smith-Schuster could return to the team where he was able to blossom after playing a key role in the Chiefs’ second Super Bowl win with Patrick Mahomes. It may not be his play that’s the issue but the environment and circumstances that the Patriots didn’t have a legit quarterback to lead him. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe were sharing the snaps so of course Smith-Schuster was going to struggle under an offense that’s bound for some struggles. New England has been busy adding new weapons to their receiving corps so it may be time for them to move on from Smith-Schuster.
Steelers May Reunite With Former Pro Bowler JuJu Smith-Schuster
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been quiet all offseason so it doesn’t look like they were truly going “all in” like they say they were. Dallas was able to sign a few free agents including Ezekiel Elliott and Eric Kendricks but nobody to drastically change the roster. Brandin Cooks leading this team would be a nightmare for America’s team if they don’t figure out a way to extend CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys already have to worry about bringing back Dak Prescott beyond this season so there are a lot of things that they need to figure out.
Kansas City Chiefs
Smith-Schuster was a crucial part of this offense in their win for the Super Bowl. No one should count out the Chiefs for the next decade, they are the new New England Patriots when having Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Smith-Schuster isn’t the same player but he does provide some relief for anyone who needs a cost-effective receiver. Kadarius Toney, Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy leading this team doesn’t sound like playoff potential since most play the slot.
However, Smith-Schuster is one of those athletes who can play the deep threat and catch those long balls from Mahomes. He did it before and he can run it back again.
Baltimore Ravens
Smith-Schuster instantly becomes the replacement for Odell Beckham Jr. since his departure. They don’t have consistent receivers other than Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Rashod Bateman has been a disappointment so far but they found a way to shockingly extend him. It seems like they see something in him but that shouldn’t come off easy to decide for Lamar Jackson. Bateman may be injury-prone again and they would wanna avoid any disaster so they bring in someone like Smith-Schuster for a year to reinforce this WR group.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints may be in salary cap hell but it doesn’t mean they can’t add someone to improve their roster. Derek Carr needs a new weapon to succeed in his second year after a disappointing debut season. Chris Olave can’t carry the load by himself lining up catching most of the balls.
