TikTok star and NFL free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster is quite the loud personality. I don’t say that as a bad thing, it’s just who he is. That is why his pending free agency decision is so interesting. While some may still believe he will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, I’ll take it from JuJu himself that he isn’t. When he saw an Instagram story where users could vote on the question “Will Juju stay in Pittsburgh,” JuJu himself voted “that’s a negative.”
Could Smith-Schuster be doing this to play with the media or possibly play hardball? Possible, although it is unlikely. He has shown in the past he has no problems with speaking his mind. So, with NFL Free Agency heating up and other receivers being snatched up as soon as they’re available, here are the three most likely JuJu Smith Schuster free agency destinations.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Free Agency Destinations
New York Jets
Money talks, at the end of the day. When it comes to money, the New York Jets have the second-most free money in the NFL, as of March 18th, with $41 million remaining. After already signing receiver Corey Davis, the Jets could put out one hell of a one-two punch at receiver. Although this team still has plenty of question marks across the board, it would be a promising start. Add in young receiver Denzel Mims, and it would be difficult to not hit these guys as a quarterback.
Although throwing a lot of money at two receivers for a team with no real shot of winning anything may seem counterproductive, the Jets franchise needs a win. When it comes to JuJu, he’ll be in an environment where he can be himself and make a ton of money, and he’ll be happy. For the organization, it could help change the culture, somewhat. Instead of the laughing stock of the AFC, they now would look like a team that could be something soon. The Jets need a reset, JuJu needs a change of scenery and New York has plenty of money. Why not?
Miami Dolphins
When will people listen to me? I said when the Miami Dolphins were 1-3 they were going to be a problem. All they did was rattle off nine of their last 12 to finish a game out of the playoffs last year. This year, they return the same elite defense and added Will Fuller at wide receiver. If they were to add JuJu too? This team would truly be a team that could make the Super Bowl. JuJu would be able to be in a system where he could be himself and still be a starring player.
Somehow, the Dolphins still have over $22 million in cap room this season as well. Remember, unless something catastrophic happens, the salary cap will shoot up in 2022. So realistically, they have even more than that available for Smith-Schuster. Juju grew up in warm California and played at USC in college. I’m sure you could sell a guy like him on Miami, especially with the nightlife he’d certainly enjoy. If he goes there, don’t say I didn’t warn you when the Dolphins win the AFC East.
Indianapolis Colts
I personally do not believe Smith-Schuster is a WR1. Statistically, he hasn’t shown much, except the one season opposing defenses were only worried about Antonio Brown and not even looking his way. With that being said, pair him with an absolute stud in Michael Pittman Jr. and watch what happens. As bad as Carson Wentz was last season, if he has a line and healthy targets, he’s better than Philip Rivers. The one thing this team was missing last year was a guy who could take the reigns of the #1 target.
I know, I know, I just said he wasn’t a WR1, but with the play the Colts get out of their tight ends and Pittman, he’ll do the job. With a healthy Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal back to round out the receiving corps, they’ll certainly give Wentz plenty of options. The Colts defense is clearly not the problem and, with just under $40 million in cap room, they can clearly afford to take on a big contract for JuJu, if necessary. With an improved quarterback and finally a decent receiving corps, Indianapolis could certainly find themselves playing in some big games late in January.
