The 2022 NFL free agency period is right around the corner, allowing us one more chance to adjust our landing spot predictions, this time for Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. Which NFL teams could benefit the most from acquiring Smith-Schuster in free agency, and who are the top three teams based on need and cap space?
Top predictions for free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster
Back in 2018, it appeared Smith-Schuster would be the next elite receiver in the NFL. Playing alongside Antonio Brown, Smith-Schuster led the Steelers in receptions with 111, was No. 5 in the NFL in yards (1,426), and had 7 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Smith-Schuster never matched that same level of excitement.
After two more up-and-down seasons, Smith-Schuster turned down multi-year offers during the 2021 free agency cycle. For one, it was a reduced market due to the impact COVID-19 had on the salary cap. Also, Smith-Schuster opted to bet on himself, returning to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal.
This did not pan out. Smith-Schuster was hampered by an aging Roethlisberger arm and by injuries of his own. A shoulder injury sustained in Week 5 ended his season. However, he did return for the Steelers’ Wild Card game. In his four full games, Smith-Schuster had 129 yards (8.6 ypr) and no touchdowns on 15-of-27 (15 catches, 27 targets) receiving.
Smith-Schuster is one of the most intriguing receivers heading into free agency. He is a fan favorite, just 25 years old, and a dynamic player when on the field. Yet, he also isn’t considered a likely No. 1 for a team anymore. Furthermore, what type of contract will he sign? Could it be another one-year “prove-it” deal, or will a team offer Smith-Schuster a multi-year contract? One thing is for certain — there is no shortage of teams predicted to be in the Smith-Schuster market once free agency is officially underway.
Kansas City Chiefs
The arms race is on in the AFC West. The Chargers and Broncos have narrowed the gap to the Chiefs and their stranglehold on the division. Last year, Smith-Schuster reportedly turned down a multi-year deal to play with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. If offered, I don’t think the same outcome would happen.
The Chiefs need help at receiver. Mecole Hardman is coming off a career-best season of 83 targets, 59 catches, 693 yards, and 2 touchdowns. But he lacks play-to-play constancy. Smith-Schuster can come in and be an instant-impact player whether in the slot or the Z, having played a 70/30 split over his career inside.
He also brings a much-needed size and physicality upgrade to the Chiefs. While not a towering presence, at 6’1″ and 215, he tips the scales compared to Hardman and Hill at 5’10” and 185 pounds. Smith-Schuster can come to the Chiefs, play with a generational QB, and not need to be an alpha, as that’s what Hill and even Travis Kelce are there to do.
From a fit standpoint, this is about as good as it gets. The Chiefs need to create some salary cap space — they are currently estimated No. 27 at -$6.28 million. However, the salary cap isn’t real, and if Smith-Schuster opts for a one-year prove-it contract, the two sides could come to a quick and easy agreement. There is no wonder this is one of the most popular free agency predictions for Smith-Schuster.
New England Patriots
Go back to 2018 when Smith-Schuster was in the middle of his breakout season, you’ll find an interesting quote. During a press conference, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called Smith-Schuster “elite, elite.” Smith-Schuster also tweeted out after the Steelers and Patriots played in 2018 that Belichick came up to him telling him how much he respects his game and how he plays. Could it come full circle?
They have a franchise QB in Mac Jones but need to surround him with weapons. Despite going uncharacteristically heavy in free agency last offseason, the Patriots still have plenty of salary cap space to maneuver in 2022, sitting with an estimated $13.31 million (18th).
N’Keal Harry has never panned out, and I would not be surprised to see him traded. Also, last season’s No. 1 target, Jakobi Meyers, is slated to hit free agency after a 126-target season. Smith-Schuster is also a physical receiver who loves to get involved in the run-blocking game, especially taking on linebackers from the slot. That is the type of player who fits everything the “Patriot Way” represents.
The goal is to keep Jones’ progression moving in the right direction, and Smith-Schuster can do just that, even returning to No. 1 responsibilities in a high-volume role from the slot. This is a free agency prediction that checks every single box.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers announced his intention to return to Green Bay, much to the delight of the Packers and their fans. While no official contract has been signed, the reports are it will be a team-friendly deal. Rodgers himself came out to dispute the reports of the $200+ million contract.
All we have heard is it will be a “team-friendly” contract. It better be — the Packers sit 32nd in estimated salary cap space at -$43.73 million. It is worth noting a sizeable chunk of that is Rodgers’ current deal, which will presumably drop his cap hit once negotiated.
This means the Packers remain in a “win-now” mode in a wide-open NFC. The priority is to give Rodgers weapons. Davante Adams is back on the franchise tag (barring a new contract), but there are questions behind him. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, and Robert Tonyan are slated to become free agents.
I could see Valdes-Scantling and Tonyan back in Green Bay, leaving room for Smith-Schuster to become the No. 2/3 receiver in the slot — MVS is a vertical threat. The pressure is on the front office to make this work. Smith-Schuster could not only boost his own value but play for a Super Bowl contender. If this free agency prediction does come true, the Rodgers/Adams/Smith-Schuster trio could be one of the best in the entire NFL.