Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reiterated on 93.7 the Fan that the Pittsburgh Steelers should take a look at JuJu Smith-Schuster, if the former Steelers wideout is released by the New England Patriots.
That could happen, too. Patriots reporter Greg Bedard sparked speculation that Smith-Schuster could be released, as he might not be a fit with new head coach Jerod Mayo. Smith-Schuster was from the Bill Belichick regime.
“I don’t really see a fit for JuJu here. I think Mayo talked about the competition in the room, and definitely sort of a Belichick acquisition,” Bedard said on his podcast. “Veteran guy that you know, you’ve seen, he’s played games, stuff like that. This is just a different regime. JuJu Smith-Schuster, to me, is not a fit here anymore, and I would be surprised if he’s here all that much longer.”
During an appearance on NBC Sports Boston last August, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer said Smth-Schuster’s “knee is a mess, and that thing could explode at any point.” That part coupled with Smith-Schuster’s down year with New England last season has many wondering if he’s washed. Smith-Schuster strongly refuted Breer’s report.
According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Smith-Schuster said last week that he was only around 60% healthy this time last May, and that he is now 100%. Smith-Schuster says he’s never felt better.
“I don’t know how much he still has left. I don’t know if he’s been injured. That stuff, they’d have to bring him in and make that determination. But if you’re giving me JuJu of two or three years ago, yeah, absolutely, I’d bring him in,” Kaboly said.
Smith-Schuster could be a perfect slot option in Arthur Smith’s offense. He certainly isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty and block.
“There ain’t too many that’s tougher than JuJu in that slot position blocking and getting that extra yard or two for a first down. I would love him in that position. If he can play, he can play. But I’m not quite sure of the health and even the want-to. Maybe JuJu doesn’t want to come here, either. But I would take him. I would definitely take him.”
Smith-Schuster has a $10.2 million cap hit this season and the Patriots would have $12.2 million in dead money if they cut him, according to Over The Cap. That part could derail a Smith-Schuster reunion with the Steelers.
