JuJu Smith-Schuster

The New York Jets are reportedly "having conversations" with free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who spent the past four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Thursday the interest in Smith-Schuster shows the Jets "may not be done adding playmakers" despite signing former Tennessee Titans wideout Corey Davis to a three-year, $37.5 million deal.

New York could be exploring whether it could add Smith-Schuster, a 2018 Pro Bowl selection, while still saving money. The release of Jamison Crowder before the final season of his three-year, $28.5 million contract would create $10.4 million in cap space for 2021.

The Jets' interest in the former Steelers standout otherwise wouldn't make much sense since it would bury fellow receiver Denzel Mims, the team's 2020 second-round pick, on the depth chart.

Smith-Schuster recorded 97 catches for 831 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns for Pittsburgh last season. He tallied career bests in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,426) in 2018.

The Jets' passing game would feature far more upside next season if they have big-play weapons Davis and Mims on the outside with Smith-Schuster in the slot and Chris Herndon at the tight end.

It's the type of pass-catching group quarterback Sam Darnold hasn't benefited from during the three years since the franchise selected him with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Whether he's still the team's starter to open 2021 is uncertain since it owns the second selection in this year's draft.

That said, the Jets figure to face ample competition for Smith-Schuster in free agency. That includes the Steelers, who "haven't closed the door" on a reunion with the 24-year-old USC product, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

New York does face pressure to continue to upgrade its roster to keep pace in the increasingly competitive AFC East.

The Buffalo Bills brought back most of the players from last season's division-winning squad, and the New England Patriots have made several key signings. The Miami Dolphins are also a threat after just missing the playoffs with a 10-6 record in 2020.

It creates an uphill battle as the Jets try to make a quick turnaround after a 2-14 season, but a couple more marquee signings combined with the top-five pick would help the cause.

Another day of the offseason has passed, and it's still unknown whether JuJu Smith-Schuster will be back with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2021 season.

After spending his first four years in the NFL with the team, the 24-year-old is now one of the top wide receivers on the free-agent market.

Although NFL free agency doesn't begin until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, the legal tampering period started Monday, so teams have been negotiating and agreeing to deals with players since then. And while some notable names have already come off the market, including several wide receivers, Smith-Schuster is still available.

That doesn't mean there aren't teams with interest in Smith-Schuster, though. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that "a number of teams" are going to be in on him this offseason, and that could include Pittsburgh.

"The Steelers want him back, Ben Roethlisberger definitely wanted him back," Garafolo said during an appearance on Good Morning Football.

But Smith-Schuster may not have interest in returning to Pittsburgh, and it appears more likely he could be signing with a different team this offseason.

"He is also telling teammates, I can tell you, that he is likely to head elsewhere for the next portion of his career," Garafolo added. "So it doesn't look like JuJu Smith-Schuster will be back in Pittsburgh."

The Steelers selected Smith-Schuster in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, and he's put up solid numbers during his time with the team. His best season came in 2018, when he had 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games. Last year, he had 97 catches for 831 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns in 16 games.

While some free-agent wide receivers have agreed to deals with teams, many of the top playmakers on the market remain available. In addition to Smith-Schuster, that includes Kenny Golladay, Will Fuller V and Curtis Samuel.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Dianna Russini heard from a free-agent wide receiver that "the WR market is really bad right now." Still, there have been some receivers to agree to deals, such as Marvin Jones Jr., whom Adam Schefter of ESPN reported is heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If the Steelers aren't able to bring back the USC product, they'll still have some talented offensive players, such as wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. While Smith-Schuster would make Pittsburgh's offense better, perhaps it could sign another free agent if it can't agree to a deal with him.

There are plenty of teams that could benefit from adding Smith-Schuster to their offense.

On Feb. 10, 710 ESPN Seattle's John Clayton (h/t Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan) noted the Las Vegas Raiders were "very interested" in Smith-Schuster. And since the legal tampering period started, they've already lost their top wide receiver from 2020, after Nelson Agholor agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Feb. 9 that the New York Jets were "taking a look" at Smith-Schuster, but they've agreed to a deal with Corey Davis, according to Schefter, so maybe they're no longer aiming to sign a top free-agent wide receiver.

For now, Smith-Schuster remains on the market as the free-agency period begins. But it appears things could be trending toward the talented playmaker joining a new team and getting a fresh start for the 2021 season.

The early stages of the NFL free-agent frenzy have begun. The "legal tampering" window opened at 12 noon on Monday, and teams moved quickly to land verbal commitments from some of the top players. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was not one of those players.

With Chris Godwin and Allen Robinson II both receiving the franchise tag, Smith-Schuster was expected to be one of the most coveted pass-catchers on the market. He had a 1,426-yard season in 2018 and caught nine touchdowns this past season.

However, just because the 24-year-old hasn't agreed to a deal yet, it doesn't mean he won't still be a hot commodity. He should land a new deal in the coming days, but it likely won't be with the Steelers.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would like to have Smith-Schuster back. However, the wideout has privately told teammates he probably won't be back.

"The Steelers wanted him back. Ben Roethlisberger definitely wanted him back," Garafolo said on NFL Network. "...He is also telling teammates, I can tell you, that he is likely to head elsewhere for the next portion of his career. So, it doesn't look like JuJu Smith-Schuster will be back in Pittsburgh."

This could change, of course, if a market doesn't develop for the USC product soon. However, that doesn't feel likely. The Las Vegas Raiders, for example, have been interested in the one-time Pro Bowler since roughly the start of the offseason, according to ESPN's John Clayton:

Smith-Schuster has also been linked to the New York Jets. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, New York is expected to be heavy on players in the receiver market this offseason.

"We expect the Jets to explore signing receiver help, and they've evaluated Will Fuller, Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne, a favorite of new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur from their time in San Francisco together," Graziano and Fowler wrote.

Of course, the Jets may not be looking to add another high-profile—and likely high-priced—receiver in early free agency. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they have agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal with former Tennessee Titans wideout Corey Davis.

Las Vegas could still be a destination, though, as it has $22.5 million in cap space and presumably, some lingering interest in the wideout. Cap-rich teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers could also go after Smith-Schuster, but our guess is that he lands with the Raiders sooner rather than later.

JuJu Smith-Schuster has reportedly been telling Steelers teammates he is "likely to head elsewhere" in free agency. 

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported Smith-Schuster has been preparing teammates for his departure despite the Steelers being interested in bringing him back. The USC product, who spent his first four years in Pittsburgh, recently posted a tweet thanking the city and team for his time there.

The expected wide receiver market dwindled a bit with Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin receiving the franchise tag, leaving Smith-Schuster, Kenny Golladay and Will Fuller V as the top free agents on the market. 

Smith-Schuster hauled in 97 passes for 831 yards and nine touchdowns last season as the Steelers' most reliable underneath threat. While he's failed to live up to the billing as Antonio Brown's replacement as Pittsburgh's WR1, Smith-Schuster is a viable threat in the slot who could step in immediately for a team in need of someone to move the chains.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been among the teams heavily linked to Smith-Schuster and could use him as a balance to second-year wideout Henry Ruggs, whose effectiveness is mainly in stretching the field.

Pittsburgh has been a haven of developing young wide receivers, so the offense will likely be fine in Smith-Schuster's departure. Chase Claypool emerged as one of the sport's most dynamic rookie playmakers last season and could take an increased role if Smith-Schuster leaves. 

As the NFL opens the window for the legal tampering period on Monday, the top free agents will have several options while on the market despite the depressed salary cap. Pro Bowl wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster fits into that group.

Smith-Schuster could command north of $16 million annually on a new deal, per Spotrac. That number may exceed the Pittsburgh Steelers' budget. The club has approximately $5.1 million in cap space. 

The Athletic's Ed Bouchette believes Smith-Schuster has the experience to lead a young receiving corps, but the demand for him will price the Steelers out of range to re-sign him. 

"Call it Young Money II, a follow-up to those days of 2010 and 2011 when the brat pack of receivers included Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. What that group had that this one does not was a veteran leader in Hines Ward. He was at the tail-end of his career but could still show the way for the youngsters. Smith-Schuster could have been that player but, alas, his market price will be too rich for the Steelers."

Pittsburgh has enough depth at wide receiver to field a solid group without Smith-Schuster.

In 2020, Diontae Johnson led the team in receiving yards (923). As a rookie, Chase Claypool had a strong campaign, scoring 11 total touchdowns. Going forward, the coaching staff can expand James Washington's role in three wide receiver sets.

Yet the Steelers will at least monitor Smith-Schuster's situation. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t SteelerNation.com), they've kept an open line of communication with him, but he'll assess his market value: 

Smith-Schuster will likely need time to weigh his options. According to John Clayton of 710 ESPN Seattle, the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots will show some level of interest in the four-year veteran. 

The Raiders may fall out of the running for Smith-Schuster if his price rises above $16 million per year. According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the team views wideout Nelson Agholor as a priority on its free-agency agenda.

"The first priority is bringing Agholor back, and given the cost-effectiveness in doing so he appears to be the best bet," Bonsignore wrote.

If Vegas sticks to plan A at wide receiver, New England and Miami could go through a bidding battle for Smith-Schuster. Based on the depth charts, the Patriots need him more, and they have enough money to satisfy his contract demands. 

According to Rapoport, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman's 2021 season status remains unclear as he recovers from knee surgery. Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo (h/t Kevin Patra), teams have inquired about N'Keal Harry. Jakobi Meyers could go into the 2021 campaign as New England's lead receiver.

With $69.3 million in cap space, the Patriots can sign Smith-Schuster to a lucrative long-term deal, though New England can also take a look at free-agent wideout Kenny Golladay, who has a Pro Bowl on his resume along with two 1,000-plus yard receiving seasons. Either way, the Patriots will likely acquire a pass-catcher because of their question marks at the wideout position.

If Smith-Schuster prefers a stronger supporting cast, he may look elsewhere, though. The Dolphins have a high-potential but unproven quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. Cam Newton re-signed with the Patriots following his worst statistical season as a passer, throwing for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

Smith-Schuster's list of options will likely go beyond just a few teams, but he's already a popular name in the AFC East. Back in February, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler listed the New York Jets as the best fit for the talented wideout and dropped a juicy rumor in his analysis. 

"The Jets are taking a look at Smith-Schuster and Will Fuller V at the top of the market," Fowler wrote.

Going into free agency, Gang Green has $68.4 million in cap space, which means New England could have a strong competitor for one of its top targets on the market.

Team cap-space figures courtesy of Over the Cap.

JuJu Smith-Schuster's future remains up in the air, but the 2018 Pro Bowler didn't wait to thank Pittsburgh Steelers fans for his first four years in the Steel City so far.

Bob Labriola of Steelers.com wrote March 7 that Smith-Schuster is "unlikely to want to accept what the cap-strapped Steelers would be able to pay him on a new contract." The 24-year-old pass-catcher also voted in an Instagram poll about his free agency, responding negatively to a query asking, "Will JuJu stay in Pittsburgh?"

Spotrac projects the Steelers to have slightly more than $5.9 million in available salary-cap space, and that's after restructuring Ben Roethlisberger's contract to lessen his cap hit.

Pro Football Focus ranks Smith-Schuster as the 24th-best free agent available and projects him to earn a four-year, $68 million deal. Based on his post Sunday, the 2017 second-round pick can see the writing on the wall.

The New York Jets reportedly plan to upgrade at receiver after finishing last season ranked 31st in passing.

According to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team has evaluated free agents Will Fuller, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne.

Jamison Crowder led the Jets with 699 receiving yards in 2020, and the franchise hasn't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker in 2015.

Crowder is set to return in 2021, although the squad can save $10.375 million against the cap by releasing the veteran, per Spotrac. 

Whether the Jets move forward with Sam Darnold at quarterback or draft a new face of the franchise with the No. 2 overall pick, the team will need more weapons going forward.

Fuller could be an exciting option after setting career highs in 2020 with 53 catches, 879 receiving yards and eight touchdowns despite playing just 11 games. The speedster has 24 touchdowns in 53 career games and is one of the league's best deep threats when healthy.

Smith-Schuster has been up and down during his career but was a Pro Bowler in 2018 with 111 catches and 1,426 receiving yards, both in the top 10 in the NFL. After a disappointing 2019, he responded last year with 97 catches for 831 yards and nine touchdowns.

Considering he is still only 24 years old, the 2017 second-round draft pick still has loads of potential.

Bourne could also be an intriguing option as a "favorite" of Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, per Graziano and Fowler. The former undrafted free agent spent the last four years with the San Francisco 49ers, where LaFleur served as receivers coach and passing game coordinator.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh also saw Bourne firsthand as San Francisco's defensive coordinator.

Bourne ranked second on the 49ers last season with 667 receiving yards, adding 49 catches and two touchdowns.