{"id":104768,"date":"2021-02-23T20:28:13","date_gmt":"2021-02-24T01:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=104768"},"modified":"2021-02-23T20:28:13","modified_gmt":"2021-02-24T01:28:13","slug":"nfl-rumors-aaron-jones-juju-smith-schuster-have-no-shortage-of-suitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/02\/23\/nfl-rumors-aaron-jones-juju-smith-schuster-have-no-shortage-of-suitors\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Rumors: Aaron Jones, Juju Smith-Schuster Have No Shortage of Suitors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Free agency doesn\u2019t officially start until March 17<sup>th<\/sup>, but that doesn\u2019t mean that teams aren\u2019t doing their homework on impending free agents. According to rumors around the league, running back <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=JoneAa00,JoneAa20&amp;search=Aaron+Jones&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aaron Jones<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/dolphins\" target=\"_self\">Miami Dolphins<\/a> share some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thephinsider.com\/2021\/2\/23\/22297804\/mutual-interest-between-aaron-jones-and-miami-dolphins\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mutual interest<\/a>, while wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster could be <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/pittsburgh-steelers\/raiders-jets-ready-to-move-on-free-agent-wide-receiver-juju-smith-schuster\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">heavily pursued<\/a> by the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/jets\" target=\"_self\">New York Jets<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/giants\" target=\"_self\">New York Giants<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/raiders\" target=\"_self\">Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[pickup_prop id=&#8221;103&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>NFL Rumors: Aaron Jones, Juju-Smith Schuster In High Demand<\/h2>\n<h3>Rumors: Aaron Jones Linked to Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers<\/h3>\n<p>The Miami Dolphins tried to fix their running game in the 20202 offseason but weren\u2019t quite able to get the job done. Offseason acquisitions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HowaJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Howard<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BreiMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Breida<\/a> simply weren\u2019t capable of beating out seventh-round pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/G\/GaskMy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Myles Gaskin<\/a>, and Miami clearly wants an upgrade at the position. Jones is one of the best running backs in the league, and this three-down skillset should be a perfect fit for a struggling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/T\/TagoTu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tua Tagovailoa<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Jones is reportedly interested in the Dolphins, but that doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s destined to leave Green Bay. The Packers would love to retain Jones\u2019 services, and they reported offered him top-five money at the position a few months ago. Miami might have better weather, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/packers\" target=\"_self\">Green Bay Packers<\/a> have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/R\/RodgAa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aaron Rodgers<\/a>. Assuming the money is equal, it\u2019s anyone\u2019s guess where Jones will go.<\/p>\n<p>Miami and Green Bay are the frontrunners, but they\u2019re not the only team that could want to sign Aaron Jones as a free agent. The<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/49ers\" target=\"_self\"> San Francisco 49ers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/cardinals\" target=\"_self\">Arizona Cardinals<\/a> could both use another running back, as both teams have aging veterans set to hit the open market. Could either one of these teams be a dark horse suitor for Jones\u2019 services? Only time will tell.<\/p>\n<h3>Juju Smith-Schuster Linked to New York Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders<\/h3>\n<p>Juju Smith-Schuster, meanwhile, seems like a much safer bet to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has two talented youngsters in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/J\/JohnDi01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Diontae Johnson<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/C\/ClayCh01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chase Claypool<\/a> and simply don\u2019t have the money to retain the former third-round pick. Smith-Schuster is coming off two disappointing seasons but at point looked like one of the best young receivers in football. Anyone signing Smith-Schuster would do so hoping that a change of scenery brings out the best in the former Pro Bowler.<\/p>\n<p>The New York Jets figure to be one of the biggest spenders in the coming weeks. Armed with tons of cap space, this team needs to completely revamp their roster from top to bottom. Whether it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/D\/DarnSa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Darnold<\/a> or a rookie, New York\u2019s passer won\u2019t have a chance without an improved supporting cast. Smith-Schuster is likely to be one of the best receivers to actually hit the open market, and his ability to quickly win in the slot should make him a reliable safety valve.<\/p>\n<p>The New York Giants don\u2019t have the same spending flexibility as their AFC counterparts, but they\u2019ll definitely try to do something to upgrade the supporting cast. Dave Gettlemen\u2019s job is hanging by a thread, and he\u2019ll need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/J\/JoneDa05.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Jones<\/a> to show some signs of life if he wants to remain employed. The best way to do that is by giving Jones better weapons than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/ShepSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sterling Shepard<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/SlayDa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darius Slayton<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/T\/TateGo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Golden Tate<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Las Vegas clearly wanted more out of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/R\/RuggHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Henry Ruggs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/E\/EdwaBr01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bryan Edwards<\/a> as rookies. Neither player did much of anything and, to be quite honest, didn\u2019t look all that special with their limited opportunities. Like the Giants, the Raiders will need to clear cap space in order to make a run at Smith-Schuster. That said, the Raiders have the resources to do this, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/MariMa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marcus Mariota<\/a> being one of the most likely moves.<\/p>\n<p>Main photo:<br \/>\n<a id=\"3LNk5zL7QTF0uaqUkEKB4A\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1298238131\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'3LNk5zL7QTF0uaqUkEKB4A',sig:'tASA0FOsLV8XgUxJUN194X3A592jaWelp9obtsQy9kA=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1298238131',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to leaguewide NFL rumors, running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster have tons of free agent suitors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2376,"featured_media":104769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[54,25,6431,9],"tags":[2256,44,1735,1608,7294],"class_list":["post-104768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorials","category-packers","category-nfl-teams","category-steelers","tag-aaron-jones","tag-green-bay-packers","tag-juju-smith-schuster","tag-nfl-free-agency","tag-pittsburgh-steelers-rumors"],"modified_by":"David Latham, Managing Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2376"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104768"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104768\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}