Four seasons ago, JuJu Smith-Schuster had 1,426 receiving yards in 16 games while playing alongside overall WR5 Antonio Brown and overall RB6 James Conner. In the last three seasons — spanning 33 games — he has only 1,512 receiving yards. This tale of two careers is all the more shocking given his youth (25 years old) and elite potential. While injuries ravaged his 2021 campaign, he remains a hot commodity in free agency discussions. Knowing he continues to hold great promise as a high-impact receiver, what are some ideal landing spot predictions for Smith-Schuster this offseason?
Predictions for JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2022 NFL free agency
Let’s toss out last year when he played in only five contests with a deeply post-prime Ben Roethlisberger. As we know, a receiver’s potential hinges largely on his quarterback’s ability, just as a quarterback’s potential hinges largely on his receivers’ ability. Yes, it’s a two-way street. And when JuJu is cooking with a QB who can find him, it’s a smooth ride.
With that in mind, many teams should see him as a WR2. But most teams at this stage of the offseason are fairly locked into their plans. Either they have their top two wideouts in place, or they’re eying the draft for Garrett Wilson, Drake London, or someone else who presumably could earn a Week 1 starting role.
So, Smith-Schuster must find a team willing to invest in the promise he showed in 2018. And he also must contend with the possibility that some teams won’t want to sign him long-term, preferring more of a “prove-it” contract to see if he remains a high-end starter. After all, in his last full season in 2020, he racked up a 97-831-9 receiving line. Those were terrific numbers. But are they his floor, his new ceiling, or something in between?
Here are three intriguing Smith-Schuster landing spots that could be win-wins for both sides.
Indianapolis Colts
We should know soon who Indy’s 2022 quarterback will be. Maybe Jimmy Garoppolo. Or if the Colts bust in free agency, they’ll probably look to the draft to find their third franchise quarterback in the past quarter-century.
Whatever happens, this team has the capacity not only to reach the playoffs but go deep. They have an elite running back, a terrific young wideout, and a strong defense. Securing a high-upside No. 2 receiver and an above-average quarterback could realistically elevate them to 11-12 wins, positioning them well for a postseason run.
While Smith-Schuster presents more risks than a more consistent receiver like Allen Robinson (if we ignore last season), in an optimal scenario, JuJu hasn’t yet peaked. He could be the steal of free agency if he can come close to his 2018 numbers. With only the aging T.Y. Hilton standing in his way, the Colts would give him a clear path to a career rebirth.
Kansas City Chiefs
PFN colleague Aaron Wilson reported that Smith-Schuster almost signed with the Chiefs last offseason, turning down a one-year, $8 million offer with incentives to return to Pittsburgh. The balance of offensive power in the AFC West remains fairly even, as Denver nabbed Russell Wilson, while the Chargers re-upped with Mike Williams.
For Kansas City to remain clear favorites in the division — if not the conference — they could use another receiver, particularly if free agent Byron Pringle walks. Mecole Hardman has probably topped out as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiving option. This remains a passing attack dominated by Tyreek Hill and a likely post-prime, 32-year-old Travis Kelce. If JuJu can slot in as the No. 2 wideout catching passes from one of the game’s best QBs, it would be a fairly ideal situation.
Green Bay Packers
Assuming Marquez Valdes-Scantling leaves, the Packers will be left with Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb. Adams’ contract situation remains messy. Lazard hasn’t broken through as a true No. 2 option. And Cobb has remained more of a situational contributor for the better part of six straight seasons.
As a side note, Cobb broke out in 2014 at the age of 24 with a 91-1,287-12 receiving line — somewhat identical to Smith-Schuster’s 2018 breakout numbers. Both guys were second-round draft picks with enormous potential. Neither has been the same since.
But Green Bay went all-in with Aaron Rodgers once again, which means they’re all-in on another Super Bowl push. Despite possessing a top-10 backfield and an elite (disgruntled?) No. 1 receiver, this offense has not looked dynamic enough in the postseason in recent years.
Whether Rodgers’ occasional tentativeness is to blame or his lack of reliable weapons, the Packers need a true No. 2 wideout. Smith-Schuster would be a little-to-lose addition, especially if they can construct a team-friendly contract — if they have to rebuild when Rodgers leaves or retires, they’ll have the flexibility to reassess their other key personnel.