Indianapolis Colts should sign JuJu Smith-Schuster after his latest announcement
By Ryan Stano
The Indianapolis Colts have plenty of cap space to use in free agency as they’re sitting among the top five with available money to spend.
While a decent amount of that will be used on extensions for Darius Leonard and Braden Smith, there still should be plenty left over.
A player that would make sense for them to sign would be wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The young receiver is slated to hit free agency after spending the first four years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It was always unlikely he’d be re-signed due to their cap situation, but he finally (reportedly) told teammates on Monday that he’ll be testing the open market.
Smith-Schuster would be a nice addition to the Colts if they decide to let T.Y. Hilton walk. He’d give the Colts another great option in the receiving game and help stretch the field alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell. While Smith-Schuster isn’t a true No. 1 receiver, he’s an intriguing fit for the Colts, who love to spread the ball around on offense.
Free agency is almost here and the Colts have a lot of cap space available, which could help them land JuJu Smith-Schuster.
#Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster has told teammates that he's likely to sign elsewhere in free agency, per @MikeGarafolo.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 15, 2021
As far as production goes, the former USC star caught 97 passes for 831 yards and nine touchdowns this past season. The Steelers had major quarterback issues in 2019, so his production wasn’t very good that year. In 2018, however, he was a Pro Bowl selection and had 1,426 yards with Antonio Brown playing alongside him.
With Carson Wentz in town, a top rushing attack, a staunch offensive line, and a multitude of options in the passing game, Smith-Schuster could flourish with Indy. For the last three years, the Steelers ranked among the worst in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and were in the bottom half of the league in 2017. Ben Roethlisberger hardly had an arm in 2020 and he was catching passes from a cast of backups in 2019.
Put this former second-round pick in a favorable system that distributes the ball to all of its targets and boasts superior talent at almost every position, and this pairing could go a long way.
