The possibility of a JuJu Smith-Schuster trade is back at the forefront of conversation this offseason and these five teams would make great new homes.
Leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, there were growing rumblings that the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially trade JuJu Smith-Schuster. Those rumors were shot down at the time, however. Over a week removed from the draft, though, the talk about the wide receiver no longer being in Pittsburgh’s long-term plans is growing once again.
In a Q&A with fans on May 1, Steelers beat reporter Ed Bouchette of The Athletic (subscription required) reiterated a stance he’s held for some time, that Smith-Schuster won’t be around beyond the 2020 season as his rookie contract expires.
Bouchette deemed it “not likely” that the wide receiver will be in Pittsburgh, noting that a bounce-back campaign would likely price him out and another mediocre year would continue concerns that he can’t be a No. 1 receiver.
The No. 62 overall pick in the 2017 draft out of USC, Smith-Schuster is coming off of the worst season of his three-year career, though.
After a strong rookie campaign with 58 receptions, 917 yards and seven scores, he erupted for 111 catches, 1,426 yards and seven scores in the 2018 season. But amidst injuries and poor quarterback play, he had only 42 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games in the 2019 campaign.
If the Steelers are indeed “not likely” to keep the wide receiver around for the long term, there are certainly other teams who would be interested in paying him to be part of their future. But in the case of Pittsburgh, if they don’t see Smith-Schuster in their plans, then trading him would be their best option. That way, the Steelers would get something in return rather than either losing him in free agency or getting less value in a deal if they tagged and traded him next offseason.
Subsequently, teams interested in a JuJu Smith-Schuster trade should be picking up the phone right now to try and make it happen. And in terms of teams that would be a great new home for the 23-year-old wide receiver, these five would make the most sense as trade destinations.