The Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens may be top fits for disappointing playmaker, JuJu Smith-Schuster before the regular season begins. According to a report, one source is urging the Commanders to bring in the veteran receiver to give rookie Jayden Daniels another target to throw to now that’s healthy. It would make sense considering that there have been plenty of rumors that the Commanders could trade Jahan Dotson or Dyami Brown since the team has Terry McLaurin, Jamison Crowder and incoming Luke McCaffrey. It’s a new regime under head coach Dann Quinn so it makes sense why the rumors are there in the first place but Smith-Schuster would be a nice addition due to his experience.
Knee injuries have been dooming his time with the Patriots after only notching 29 catches for 260 yards so he wasn’t close to being at his best. However, when he’s healthy, he can probably be the best receiver as a slot option for any roster that needs a solid veteran. Smith-Schuster acknowledges that after winning a Super Bowl for the Chiefs, he had a shorter offseason where he didn’t properly recover. He didn’t help his case of making a roster spot and dropping passes.
A team like the Ravens could benefit from a veteran receiver even though Nelson Agholor fills that spot already. He’s on a one-year deal but Baltimore needs more firepower for a long-time period behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. This is that Bateman didn’t have a season to remember so they may better fare to give Lamar Jackson another weapon. However, any help could provide insurance for Justin Herbert since they have one of the thinnest corps in the league even after drafting Ladd McConkey and signing DJ Chark.
Chargers, Ravens May Be Top Fits For Disappointing Playmaker JuJu Smith-Schuster
Other Possible Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs could bring back some familiarity to their offense to continue stacking their roster especially since Marquise Brown is out for a few games. Smith-Schuster could probably be a reliable X-factor replacement for him since there hasn’t been much noise on what may happen to Rashee Rice. This would leave rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman and Kadarius Toney to take care of the reps. However, Worthy still needs time to adjust to the league and they can’t depend on Hardman and Toney for long-term success while they wait for a miracle to happen.
A healthy and cheap Smith-Schuster should provide the offense some breath of life to keep Mahomes moving. Guys like Skyy Moore haven’t been able to justify why they should be a starter for the team which would leave Travis Kelce carrying most of the catches.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are still having a hard time figuring out their cap situation. It leaves them with no options to trade for a top receiver like Brandon Aiyuk. However, Smith-Schuster would be the perfect signing to be WR3 behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Guys like Bub Means and A.T. Perry have seasons to go before the Saints can count on them so adding a veteran on a one-year deal wouldn’t hurt much as far as cap space.
New Orleans hasn’t been able to find an adequate receiver since releasing Michael Thomas so it seems like they’re counting on who they have. Smith-Schuster probably won’t carry this offense but it gives them another firepower playmaker to rely on to help Derek Carr secure a long-term future with the Saints.
Philadelphia Eagles
Smith-Schuster probably won’t return to be WR1 but he could improve his game being behind DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. The Eagles are still looking for a long-term threat at the No. 3 position even though they’ve been able to bring in Devante Parker. Smith-Schuster could slide in to take over the slot that lasts longer than Parker.
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