This 49ers-Steelers Trade Involving JuJu Smith-Schuster Would Solve Both Teams' Problems
By Thomas Carannante
We're one day away from the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and we can't imagine what's going to transpire on Thursday evening. This is an extremely deep class of prospects and teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers could be among the playoff contenders looking to make significant moves to improve their roster.
As a matter of fact, both of those teams can solve one another's issues with a simple trade. The 49ers should send the No. 31 overall pick to the Steelers in exchange for wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster. But please, listen first.
Rumor has it? #49ers called and checked on the availability of #Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. #NFL #NFLDraft2020 Some things to note #PittsburghSteelers have no number one pick and this would be a return home for the #USC star. pic.twitter.com/WmqsxrG2wq
— NFL Rumors (@nflrum0rs) April 20, 2020
Before we get into the trade value, let's take a look at how this helps each side.
Pittsburgh doesn't have a first-round pick this year after they traded it to the Dolphins in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Great trade, but we're sure general manager Kevin Colbert wants a top selection on Thursday to get his hands on a promising player that could be with the franchise for the next five years. As for the loss of JuJu, yes, it would hurt, especially with Ben Roethlisberger returning, but we've seen the Steelers develop mid-round picks into stud wide receivers. Do we really need to give examples?
One could argue this is an overpay for Smith-Schuster, but the 49ers have two first-round picks and they could get a proven talent at the position (instead of taking a risk on a prospect) and either trade down from No. 13 to acquire more assets or use the pick to address another area of the roster. While the Steelers wideout does hit free agency after this season, he's making just $1.3 million in 2020 and perhaps the Niners can convince him to sign an extension in San Fran since he'd be returning to his home state to play football.
Not entirely out of the realm of possibility, especially with all the craziness we've seen this offseason!
Juju Smith-Schuster:
— Across The Bridge (@ATBPGH) April 16, 2020
• 211 receptions
• 2,895 yards
• 17 TD’s
• 23 years old.
• Youngest EVER to reach 2500 yards.
Not as appreciated as he should be in the city he plays for. pic.twitter.com/9fs8e9oiaD
Picture a 49ers offense with Smith-Schuster, Deebo Samuel and another mid-to-late-round pick San Fran adds to the roster this weekend. Now we're talking. Kyle Shanahan will have a blast.
As for the Steelers? Business as usual. Build a stout team through the draft with a coveted late first-round pick and remain a perennial playoff contender. This isn't as complicated as you think.