According to reports out of New England, the Patriots could release wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster this weekend.
If hope of the Steelers acquiring San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk falls through in a trade, The PM Team’s Andrew Fillipponi says the Steelers should consider bringing back Smith-Schuster.
If the Patriots cut JuJu, it will save them $3 million.
Poni says that if the Patriots do cut Smith-Schuster, the Steelers don’t need to sign him right away and if he is signed by another team, no big loss.
But, with the Steelers needing a wide receiver behind George Pickens, Smith-Schuster can be that person.
Poni believes that JuJu can still get you six yards in a 3rd-and-5 situation for Pittsburgh.
If the Steelers can’t pick up a more talented WR, you should ask yourself, is JuJu better than Van Jefferson?
Jefferson had 20 catches for 209 yards last season. Smith-Schuster had 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games last season.
Smith-Schuster was plagued by injuries last season, suffering a season-ending knee injury with the Patriots.
Winning the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs the year before, The Patriots hoped to get more out of him.
But even with a disappointing season in New England, he still produced more than Jefferson last year.
Poni says that Smith-Schuster is a nice backup plan if they can’t find a better option.