Raiders Rumors: Las Vegas Reached Out To JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers, Raiders
Dec 9, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during the run back after receiving the lateral from Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s legal tampering period got off to an exciting start as several big names got the paydays they were hoping for. The New England Patriots were the surprise team of the day as they signed several players on both sides of the field, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to keep most of their free agents to make another run at a Super Bowl.

The Las Vegas Raiders made their own splash when they agreed to terms with coveted outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue. The deal with Ngakoue is reportedly for two years at $26 million, a fair contract for a pass rusher of his caliber who should help shore up that need for the Raiders.

While landing Ngakoue was a good way to kick off their free agency period, Las Vegas, unfortunately, saw Nelson Agholor depart for New England. Agholor signed an identical two-year, $26 million with the Patriots which means the Raiders will now have to address their wide receiver room.

Fortunately for them, the receiver class has several intriguing options for them to chase after, and according to NFL Rumors, they have reportedly reached out to JuJu Smith-Schuster’s representatives.

Smith-Schuster seems to think that his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers is coming to an end, especially after the rest of their receiver corps performed well during the 2020 season. With Agholor now gone, the Raiders could use another option in the passing game and the 24-year-old would be a great option to fill that void.

The receiver had a relatively down year as he recorded only 831 receiving yards, but did reel in 97 receptions and a career-high nine touchdowns. Under head coach Jon Gruden, Smith-Schuster would be a primary receiving option and could regain his Pro Bowl form.

As NFL free agency continues to develop, expect the Silver and Black to be linked to more pass catchers.