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Washington Football Team: Free agents team could target in 2021

By Ken Johannesen

Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) exits the field after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) exits the field after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

4. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster may or may not hit free agency next March, but if he becomes available, Washington should do their best to sign him.

Smith-Schuster was chosen in the second round of the 2017 draft out of Southern Cal and he quickly burst onto the scene with a solid rookie campaign.  His second season was nothing short of sensational.  His production has fallen somewhat during these last two seasons, but Smith-Schuster is still a great receiver.

Smith-Schuster had a season for the ages in 2018, but his production suffered after Antonio Brown was traded to the Raiders prior to the 2019 season.  He had to become the No. 1 receiver and the reality of more coverage schemes to thwart his overall production limited his success last year.

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If the WFT could steal him in the upcoming offseason, Smith-Schuster could see a significant uptick in his production once again.  Just imagine this scenario on passing downs next year:  Terry McLaurin, Smith-Schuster, Curtis Samuel, Kelvin Harmon, and Antonio Gibson are on the field.  It’s scary for defenses and it is a pleasant scenario for WFT fans.

Smith-Schuster will probably sign a very handsome contract next spring, but it is unlikely that he will haul in a deal that matches the elite receivers of the league.  It’s possible for him to ink a contract that pays him $15 million a season.

However, if the WFT can sign Smith-Schuster to a deal that pays him around $12 million to $14 million a season, you make that commitment.  A $15 million deal should be the limit though.  He doesn’t turn 24 until next month.

Admittedly, the chances of JJSS playing in a Washington uniform next year are slim, but there is a chance it could actually happen.

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