This offseason is going to be a big one for wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. He is set to hit free agency for the third straight year after signing one-year deals with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 and Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
After a disappointing last season with the Steelers, JuJu Smith-Schuster had a nice bounceback in 2022 in Kansas City. Catching passes from Patrick Mahomes is always a good way to rehab your value and that is exactly what the USC standout accomplished.
In 16 games this season, JuJu Smith-Schuster caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns. He has done more than enough to warrant a multi-year deal as arguably the best free agent wide receiver on the market this offseason.
Where could he end up this year in free agency should the Chiefs not re-sign him? Here are three destinations that JuJu Smith-Schuster could land in free agency.
The Green Bay Packers underwent some major changes at wide receiver in 2022. Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Marquez Valdes-Scantling joined JuJu Smith-Schuster on a revamped Chiefs’ wide receiver depth chart.
Those voids weren’t filled as the Packers used draft capital on Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. But, with Allen Lazard likely departing this offseason, Green Bay needs more reinforcements.
JuJu Smith-Schuster would be a nice fit in place of Lazard given the physicality that he brings to the field in his playing style. He is an elite run blocker at the wide receiver spot, which is an area Lazard thrived in also. In need of a veteran presence, he would be a good fit whether Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love is under center.
There may not be a team in the NFL that needs to upgrade at the wide receiver position more this offseason than the New York Giants. What Brian Daboll was able to accomplish in his first season as head coach with Richie James Jr. leading the team in receptions with Saquon Barkley was wildly impressive.
New York will be searching high and low for upgrades to their offensive weapons and JuJu Smith-Schuster would be a good target. He fits the mold as the kind of big-bodied, physical receiver that should thrive in Daboll’s system.
In a run-first system, JuJu Smith-Schuster would be an ideal target for Big Blue. He would provide Daniel Jones with a reliable set of hands at the receiver spot while offering some alignment versatility as well.
The Chicago Bears have to upgrade the weapons around Justin Fields this off-season. They are going to be mentioned as a possible landing spot for any pass catcher that hits the market, whether it is in free agency or a trade.
Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool have at least shown that they are capable NFL producers with a few nice seasons under their belt. Bringing in an experienced veteran to round out the group, such as JuJu Smith-Schuster, would be ideal.
With Mooney and Claypool being successful perimeter players, JuJu Smith-Schuster can help open things up from the slot. He succeeds on short and intermediate routes, which would help divert attention away from the big play producers in the Bears’ offense. For another run-first team, his block acumen would be welcomed with open arms.
