JuJu Smith-Schuster Fantasy

The Pittsburgh Steelers and free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster agreed upon a one-year, $8 million deal on Friday. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens made a significant offer to Smith-Schuster but he chose to take less money to remain in Pittsburgh. The Kansas City Chiefs were also reportedly interested in his services and his name was also rumored to be linked to the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets at various points during the offseason. From Smith-Schuster's perspective, the move doesn't come as a huge surprise as he said all along that he wanted to remain with the team that drafted him in the second round back in 2017. Smith-Schuster's return to Pittsburgh puts a damper on the prospects of Chase Claypool breaking out in 2021, although Claypool should remain an upside flex play. JuJu's upside will be limited in the Steelers offense, much like in 2020, but he should bring a solid floor to the table in PPR leagues. Treat him as a low-end WR/high-end WR3 for next year. Smith-Schuster will be scheduled to become a free agent again after the 2021 season ends.

Mar. 19th • 1:37 PM

The New York Jets have been having conversations with Pittsburgh Steelers free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, according to sources. The Jets may not be done adding playmakers to their offense after adding wide receiver Corey Davis several days ago. Quarterback Sam Darnold was Smith-Schuster's QB in college at USC. While the Steelers aren't ruling out a return for the 24-year-old, it's likely that he's headed elsewhere in free agency. If he signs with the Jets, he could operate as the primary slot receiver, which would be bad news for veteran Jamison Crowder. Smith-Schuster broke out in his sophomore season in 2018 (111-1,426-7) but battled injury in 2019 and had 97 receptions for 831 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns in 2020. He'd immediately become New York's No. 1 receiver, although Darnold would be an obvious downgrade from Ben Roethlisberger.

Mar. 18th • 11:59 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has been telling teammates that he's "likely to head elsewhere for the next portion of his career." He also suggested on his Twitter account on Sunday that leaving Pittsburgh is a real possibility. The fourth-year receiver is 24 years old and had a 97-catch, nine-touchdown season in 2020, so he won't have a shortage of suitors on the open market. The Steelers are certainly interested in bringing Smith-Schuster back, but they don't have much salary cap flexibility, even after restructuring quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's deal. The Las Vegas Raiders have been rumored to be very interested in the 24-year-old wideout. Smith-Schuster still has a very high fantasy ceiling, even if he departs in free agency.

Mar. 15th • 5:44 PM