In a report that has set the NFL abuzz, it seems that JuJu Smith-Schuster, the once promising playmaker, may find a new home with either the Los Angeles Chargers or the Baltimore Ravens before the regular season kicks off. One source close to the situation is strongly advocating for the Commanders to consider bringing in the veteran receiver to provide rookie Jayden Daniels with another reliable target now that he is back in good health. The Commanders have been rumored to be exploring trade options for Jahan Dotson or Dyami Brown, given their existing receiving corps of Terry McLaurin, Jamison Crowder, and incoming Luke McCaffrey. With a new head coach in Dann Quinn at the helm, the team is in a state of flux, making the addition of Smith-Schuster all the more intriguing due to his wealth of experience.
Knee injuries have plagued Smith-Schuster’s recent seasons with the Patriots, limiting his on-field contributions to just 29 catches for 260 yards. Clearly not at his best, he acknowledges that a shorter offseason following his Super Bowl win with the Chiefs did not allow him sufficient time to recover properly, leading to drops and missed opportunities on the field. Nevertheless, when healthy, Smith-Schuster has the potential to be a top receiver, particularly in the slot, for any team in need of a seasoned veteran presence.
The Ravens, in particular, could benefit from adding a veteran receiver to complement Nelson Agholor, especially with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman facing uncertainties. Lamar Jackson could use another weapon in the passing game, and Smith-Schuster might just provide the boost needed to elevate the offense. Meanwhile, the Chargers, despite adding Ladd McConkey and DJ Chark, still have a thin receiving corps, leaving Justin Herbert in need of additional support on the field.
As for the Chiefs, with Marquise Brown sidelined for a few games, Smith-Schuster could step in as a reliable replacement and provide much-needed depth to the receiving unit. Rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman, and Kadarius Toney may not yet be ready to shoulder the load, making Smith-Schuster an appealing option for Kansas City.
The Saints, grappling with cap constraints, may find Smith-Schuster to be an ideal addition as their WR3 behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. With young talents like Bub Means and A.T. Perry still developing, a veteran presence could offer invaluable experience and stability to the Saints’ receiving corps.
Despite the struggles of the Eagles to establish a long-term threat at the No. 3 receiver position, the addition of Smith-Schuster could provide a solution. With DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown leading the way, Smith-Schuster could slot in seamlessly and offer a reliable target for quarterback Derek Carr.
While Smith-Schuster may no longer be considered a WR1, his potential impact as a supporting cast member for various teams cannot be overlooked. Whether it’s the Chargers, Ravens, Chiefs, Saints, or Eagles, there’s no denying that the addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster could inject new life into these offenses and provide a much-needed boost for the upcoming season.
