JuJu Smith-Schuster 2023 Outlook
Smith-Schuster got his career back on track in one season with the Kansas City Chiefs and now looks to take another step forward with the Patriots. Smith-Schuster is unlikely to ever approach his mammoth 2018 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers when he had career highs of 111 receptions and 1,426 yards. But after averaging just 8.6 yards per catch in a full season with the Steelers in 2020 and again in a partial season (five games) the following campaign, Smith-Schuster is back on the upward climb. Having Patrick Mahomes throw to you doesn't hurt, and he compiled the second most yards in his career last season. Smith-Schuster cited coach Bill Belichick as the biggest reason why he signed with New England but the most crucial element will be how he connects with quarterback Mac Jones. His veteran presence should help the youngster in key situations. Smith-Schuster had two 100-yard games with the Chiefs -- coming in back-to-back games -- and also hauled in 10 catches on other occasions. If he can produce games like that with New England, he'll be a welcome addition.
JuJu Smith-Schuster 2022 Outlook
Ahead of the 2021 offseason, Smith-Schuster was reportedly close to signing with K.C., but returned to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal. This time, the Chiefs got their man. The move provides yet another weapon on offense for quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the wake of Tyreek Hill's trade to Miami. The Chiefs struggled uncharacteristically at times on offense, lacking a consistent receiving threat other than Travis Kelce and Hill. Now, Smith-Schuster will join a receiving corps that includes Kelce, Mecole Hardman and not much else. ... Smith-Schuster's final season in Pittsburgh won't be remembered fondly by fantasy mangers. He injured a shoulder against in Week 5 and missed the remainder of the regular season. He finished the regular season with 15 catches for 129 yards and scored a rushing touchdown in five games. The good news is that he's still only 25 and, when he was at his best, Smith-Schuster was one of the NFL's best after-the-catch slot receivers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he led the NFL in yards after the catch from the slot from 2017 to '20 (1,107 yards). And any receiver in the Chiefs' offense will have a chance to maximize his skills, as long as Mahomes is healthy and coach Andy Reid is calling plays. Kelce will remain the primary option here, but expecting JuJu to reach 100-catch territory, something he's done in each of his last two fully-healthy seasons, isn't a huge stretch.
JuJu Smith-Schuster 2021 Outlook
As NFL.com framed it, "Against heavy odds, Smith-Schuster is sticking around Pittsburgh for another season. ..." The wideout had better offers from Baltimore and Kansas City but took a lesser deal to remain in Pittsburgh on a one-year contract worth $8 million. The talented, young wideout will hit the market again in a year, and with the salary cap expected to jump back up, he could cash in on an even more-lucrative long-term contract a year from now. In his four-year career, JuJu has 308 receptions for 3,726 yards and 12.1 yards per catch, with 26 receiving TDs. One of the best slot receivers in the NFL, Smith-Schuster generated the second-most receptions (76), the most receiving TDs and fourth-most receiving yards (701) out of the slot among all players in 2020, via Next Gen Stats -- eight of Smith-Schuster's nine receiving TDs came from the slot. He is Ben Roethlisberger's most trusted wideout in critical spots, something that could lead to him seeing more work outside this year. Smith-Schuster generated 32 receptions on third down in 2020 (second in NFL, behind only Keenan Allen). Despite the presence of Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, JuJu is a solid PPR starter in three-receiver leagues.
