Did JuJu Smith-Schuster hint at wanting to play for the Cowboys?
Even though Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster recently said he wanted to remain in Pittsburgh, it seems the soon-to-be free agent may be changing his mind. Smith-Schuster and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott were filming a commercial for 7-Eleven in Frisco, Texas, at The Star. The Star is the Cowboys’ state-of-the-art training facility.
At a press conference for a 7-Eleven event (the two players are spokesmen for the brand for the league), the Steelers receiver said that he is “most likely” headed for free agency. Last season, Smith-Schuster expected high offers around the league as a free agent. He got offers from the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and even a multi-year offer from the Philadelphia Eagles. In the end, the USC product re-signed with the Steelers for $8 million.
Unfortunately for both the receiver and the Steelers, Smith-Schuster made $8 million to only play in five games this season after a shoulder injury that required surgery sidelined him. He ended the year with 15 catches for 129 yards and zero touchdowns. Not ideal.
But, not only did Smith-Schuster suggest he may not be returning to Pittsburgh, but he also borderline hinted at interest in playing with the Cowboys. The Steeler told Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News that Prescott is a great quarterback and even complimented the Dallas facilities. He followed that by taking a subtle jab at the Steelers saying that the team is “still working on trying to get out of wooden locker rooms.” Yikes.
You have to imagine that Jerry Jones and company realize that their incredible facilities and perks weigh into a player’s decision to sign with the Cowboys.
JuJu Smith-Schuster said at 7-Eleven event he’s “most likely” headed for free agency. On Dak Prescott: “He’s a great quarterback. Catching balls from him in a facility like this, I wouldn’t mind it. …The Steelers are still working on trying to get out of the wooden locker rooms” pic.twitter.com/fyuDPSpKE8
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 2, 2022
Is a JuJu Smith-Schuster-Cowboys signing really realistic?
I guess that depends on how much money the Steeler wants. While there is no doubt that Smith-Schuster will have many suitors in free agency, he didn’t play much in 2021 and hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2018. Given that the Cowboys are currently struggling majorly with salary cap issues, they may not be able to afford what other teams are willing to pay for the 25-year-old.
Although he hasn’t had major success lately, Smith-Schuster is young and has proven he has star quality. The 6-1, 215-pound receiver was a second-round draft pick. He recorded 2,343 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his first two years in the league. In 2017, he earned All-Rookie Team honors and he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.
Smith-Schuster would be an exciting sign for the Cowboys. The wideout has a big following and is a likable guy. But before Jones can even think about signing him, he needs to figure out what he is going to do with his big-name free-agent catchers like Michael Gallup, Dalton Schultz, and Cedrick Wilson. Although Gallup tore his ACL in Week 17, he is still expected to get a large contract in free agency. Wilson and Schultz also had breakout years which increased both of their market values.
Plus, there are now talks of the Cowboys cutting Amari Cooper (after he had a meager season) to save cap space. Would Jones get rid of some of his stars to make room for Smith-Schuster? Only time will tell. But the Steeler’s not-so-subtle quotes suggest he may want to be wearing blue and white next season.
