What JuJu Smith-Schuster’s contract with Steelers means for NY Giants, Kenny Golladay

JuJu Smith-Schuster made a surprise move Friday and re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This takes another FA receiver off the board and the NY Giants must act quickly.

JuJu Smith-Schuster will remain a Pittsburgh Steeler, which could impact the NY Giants’ chase for Kenny Golladay.

Smith-Schuster stunned the NFL world Friday when he returned to Pittsburgh on a one-year, $8 million deal. JuJu is banking on himself having another big season and getting a more ludicrous contract next season when the salary cap goes back up thanks in large part to the NFL’s new TV deal.

JuJu was reportedly courted by several teams such as the NY Jets, KC Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles. He was clearly in-demand in a saturated free agent wide receiver market and a depressed salary cap.

As one of the top free-agent receivers available. it was widely assumed JuJu would leave Pittsburgh and get a bigger deal elsewhere. That big deal elsewhere never materialized and JuJu was stuck with several one-year offers which could be considered “prove it deals”.

With JuJu back in the Black and Yellow, the free agent receiver group is getting thinner and thinner. Will Fuller signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins Thursday and the better part of the free agent group is starting to quickly disappear.

The NY Giants have been flirting with Kenny Golladay all week and appeared to host him for a sleepover on Thursday night. They would be making a mistake if they couldn’t agree on a contract. The free agent market is offering very few true WR1 caliber guys still available. The Giants likely will have to turn to the draft for receivers if they can’t reach terms with Kenny Golladay.