JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Conner facing make-or-break 2020 with Steelers?

Is time up for JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner with the Steelers?

While the NFL Draft is now far behind us, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back  James Conner are officially on the clock. The pair of 2017 NFL Draft picks are both entering the final years of their contracts and all signs point to the Steelers letting both players walk.

Both Conner and Smith-Schuster are coming off disappointing 2019 seasons after they each were Pro-Bowl selections in the previous year. Smith-Schuster dropped to just 42 receptions in 12 games played after leading Pittsburgh with 111 catches the year prior. Meanwhile, Conner went from over 1,400 scrimmage yards to just 751 in 10 games played.

While Smith-Schuster was struggling, another receiver was quietly thriving. Rookie Diontae Johnson led the team (and all NFL rookies) with 59 receptions and was also named an All-Pro as a punt returner. James Washington also made a solid leap, leading the team with 750 receiving yards and averaging nearly 17 yards per reception.

Pittsburgh also had a very solid core of running backs that played well in the absence of James Conner. Benny Snell Jr. took over the starting role and had very similar stats to those of Conner.

Jaylen Samuels, Kerrith Whyte and Trey Edmunds also made contributions throughout the season. The stats may not have looked extraordinary, but you have to take into consideration the fact that teams knew Pittsburgh would primarily looking to run because of their quarterback situation.

NFL Draft adds to uncertain future with Steelers

When the NFL Draft rolled around, even more fuel was added to this fire when Pittsburgh took Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool in the second round and Maryland running back Anthony McFarland Jr. in the fourth round, furthering the discussion that Pittsburgh is planning on moving on without Conner and Smith-Schuster.

Several videos have emerged of Conner and Smith-Schuster working out together and both do look much bigger than in previous years. For their sake, they better hope that the workouts translate into incredible production or this could be their collective swan song in the Steel City.