Has JuJu Smith-Schuster played his last down with the Steelers?
The flamboyant flanker suggested that it's a real possibility Sunday, tweeting out his appreciation for Pittsburgh "no matter what happens this week." He's apparently taken a more forward stance privately.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Monday on Free Agency Frenzy that Smith-Schuster has been telling teammates he's "likely to head elsewhere for the next portion of his career."
The fourth-year wideout is still only 24 years old and coming off a 97-catch, nine-touchdown campaign. In other words, he'll have his suitors. Garafolo noted the Steelers, and specifically Ben Roethlisberger, remain among them. But they don't have much cap flexibility, and the former Pro Bowler is primed to cash in. He's listed at No. 15 in Gregg Rosenthal's Top 101 NFL free agents of 2021.
"There are going to be a number of teams in on JuJu," Garafolo said.
As for players whom the Steelers are retaining, cornerback Cameron Sutton re-signed with Pittsburgh on a two-year, $9 million deal, per Garafolo and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The legal tampering period began Monday at noon ET.
Elsewhere in the NFL on Monday:
- The Jets have been receiving trade calls on four-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley, Pelissero reported. The seventh-year veteran still has $22 million in guarantees remaining on his contract after opting out last year. His cap hit on a new team would be $6 million in 2021. Linebacker Jarrad Davis, a former first-round pick with the Lions, is signing a one-year deal with the Jets worth $5.5 million and a max of $7 million, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager. New York made a pair of big moves as it's bringing in former Bengals pass rusher Carl Lawson and former Titans wide receiver Corey Davis, Rapoport reported.
- The Tennessee Titans are addressing a need at pass rush and doing so by signing away a player from an AFC South rival, as the Titans are signing former Colts defensive lineman Denico Autry to a three-year deal worth $21.5 million, per Rapoport and Pelissero. Autry, Tennessee's first free-agent signing, will get $9 million guaranteed. Tennessee is also signing former Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree, Rapoport reported, for $16.5 million per season and bringing in former Browns offensive lineman Kendall Lamm on a two-year deal for up to $8.5 million, Rapoport reported.
- The New England Patriots have finalized a deal for Ravens pass rusher Matt Judon, per Rapoport. Judon is signing a four-year deal worth up to $56 million with $32 million in the first two years, Pelissero reported. New England also agreed to terms with defensive back Jalen Mills on a four-year deal. The Pats have already agreed to terms with tight end Jonnu Smith on a four-year deal, and with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux for two years and $16 million. The former Dolphin was hampered by injury in 2020, but could provide depth to a defensive unit that had difficulty stopping the run. The Patriots are re-signing defensive end Deatrich Wise, who's been with the Pats since they drafted him in the fourth round in 2017. The deal is for four years with a max value of $30 million with $10 million guaranteed, Garafolo reported. Adding more skill to the offense, the Patriots have agreed to terms with wide receiver Nelson Agholor, Rapoport reported. Agholor spent 2020 with the Raiders and matched a career-high with eight touchdowns. Not yet done on a big Monday, the Patriots have agreed to terms with former Jets starting defensive lineman Henry Anderson on a two-year deal, Rapoport reported.
- The Minnesota Vikings are finalizing a revised contract with linebacker Anthony Barr, who will play for a reduced salary in 2021 in return for becoming a free agent next year, Pelissero reported. Barr, who was set to make $12.9 million in the upcoming season, will instead earn $10 million, including $9.4 million fully guaranteed, plus $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses and a $100,000 workout bonus. This voids the last two years of his current deal and gives the Vikings cap relief. Barr can earn back another $500,000 if he makes the Pro Bowl, something he's done four times before. Offensive lineman Rashod Hill is also returning to the Vikings on a one-year deal, his agent announced. Minnesota is signing former Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to a two-year, $22 million deal with $16 million fully guaranteed, Rapoport reported. Linebacker Nick Vigil is joining the Vikings on a one-year deal with $1 million guaranteed, Pelissero reported.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to a contract with former Bears defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris on a three-year, $24.4 million deal with $14 million in guarantees, Garafolo reported. The Jags have an agreement with wide receiver/kick returner Jamal Agnew for three years and a max value of $21 million, per Garafolo. Guard Andrew Norwell has agreed to restructure his contract, Rapoport reported. Agent Drew Rosenhaus told Rapoport that Norwell's contract is $9 million fully guaranteed and worth up to $12 million in 2021. Jacksonville is also signing safety Rudy Ford to a two-year, $4.2 million deal, per Pelissero. Jacksonville also re-signed defensive end Dawuane Smoot to a two-year, $14 million deal. Running back Carlos Hyde, who spent part of the 2018 season in Jacksonville, is returning on a two-year, $6 million deal, per Rapoport. Hyde reunites with Urban Meyer, for whom he played while in college at Ohio State. Also headed to Duval is wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, per Giardi.
- The Seattle Seahawks are interested in re-signing cornerback Shaquill Griffin, and they've had discussions with him about it. But Garafolo reported the two sides are "not in the same ballpark on money." He'll test the market, where he sits alongside William Jackson and Patrick Peterson as the best available options amid a dearth at the position.
- Curtis Samuel is one of the bigger names available at wide receiver. Giardi reported several teams have checked in on or are pursuing him. The fourth-year wideout logged career bests of 77 receptions and 851 yards last year with the Panthers.
- While NFL clubs aren't allowed to have direct contact with players during this negotiating window, only their agents, there are four exceptions. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, running back Alfred Morris and cornerback Richard Sherman currently do not have representation and thus can talk to teams themselves before the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
- Pass rusher Markus Golden is staying put in Arizona. The veteran has agreed to terms on a two-year, $9 million deal, Rapoport reported. Golden, who spent his first four seasons in Arizona, was traded from the Giants to the Cards last October, recording 4.5 sacks in 2020. The Cardinals are also bringing back punter Andy Lee on a one-year deal, Garafolo reported. Arizona placed a second-round tender on linebacker Dennis Gardeck, Rapoport reported.
- Less than a week after being released by the Giants, guard Kevin Zeitler struck a deal with the Ravens. He agreed to a three-year, $22 million contract, per Rapoport. The ninth-year veteran appeared on Glenn Clark Radio on Monday and said a lot of teams showed interest before he decided Baltimore was the right fit. Baltimore is re-signing linebacker Chris Board to a one-year deal for $2.68 million with 1.6 million guaranteed, per Pelissero.
- The Houston Texans agreed to terms with wide receiver Andre Roberts on a two-year deal worth up to $5.95 million, per Pelissero. Houston has also reached a one-year agreement with linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill for $3.25 million, per Garafolo and Pelissero. This reunites him with general manager Nick Caserio, who drafted Grugier-Hill for the Patriots. Houston also added defensive tackle Maliek Collins to a one-year, $6 million deal, per Rapoport. Another former Patriots player is headed to Houston, as the team is signing safety Terrence Brooks to a one-year deal for $2 million, Rapoport reported. Guard Justin McCray is headed to Houston on a two-year, $4 million deal with $1.5 million in incentives, Garafolo reported. Houston is signing defensive tackle Vincent Taylor to a one-year deal for $2 million, Pelissero reported.
- The Denver Broncos are placing the low-round tender on running back Phillip Lindsay. Thusly, another team can sign Lindsay to an offer sheet and if Denver does not match it, Lindsay's departure would leave the Broncos without any compensation. Meanwhile, Denver is signing defensive lineman Shelby Harris to a three-year deal worth $27 million, per Rapoport. Denver also declined the option of defensive back Kareem Jackson, Pelissero reported.
- The Cleveland Browns placed a tender on restricted free-agent wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. The Browns' biggest news of the day came with them signing former Rams safety John Johnson, per Garafolo.
- The Cincinnati Bengals are signing defensive end Trey Hendrickson on a four-year, $60 million deal with $32 million across the first two seasons, Rapoport and Pelissero reported. Hendrickson earned his payday after a breakout season with 13.5 sacks and 25 QB hits for the Saints in 2020. The Bengals may not stop there in upgrading its defense as Garafolo reports Cincy is in the mix to sign former Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton, one of the top cornerbacks available.
- Washington is signing kicker Dustin Hopkins to a one-year veteran qualifying contract worth $2.4625 million, including $1.8875 million fully guaranteed, Pelissero reported. The team has also reached an agreement to bring in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on a one-year deal worth $10 million with a $12 million max, per Pelissero.
- The Los Angeles Chargers are signing center Corey Linsley to a five-year, $62.5 million deal, Garafolo and Pelissero reported. Linsley will be the highest-paid center in the league. The Bolts are also retaining cornerback Michael Davis on a three-year deal for $25.2 million with $15 million in guaranteed money, Garafolo reported. L.A. isn't tendering defensive end Isaac Rochell, Pelissero reported. This comes as a slight surprise after he started six games for L.A. last year.
- The Los Angeles Rams extended a first-round RFA tender on cornerback Darious Williams. The third-year defensive back emerged in 2020, making 10 starts and recording four interceptions.
- The return of Aaron Jones, coupled with the presence of 2020 second-round pick AJ Dillon, signals the end of Jamaal Williams' time in Green Bay. The fourth-year running back thanked the Packers in an extended Instagram post on Monday: "Thank you Green Bay for accepting me and letting me grow into the Man I am today and still thriving to be. I have nothing but RESPECT and LOVE for everyone who works in the Packers facility from Players, Coaches, all the employees that work in Lambeau, and the fans!! I'm going to miss it all, cherish all my memories, and keep striving for Greatness. I'm looking forward to what's ahead and excited to grind for what I want but nothing but love GB it's been real." Green Bay tendered wide receiver Malik Taylor, who will be back with the Packers in 2021, Pelissero reported.
- Three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Donald Penn is retiring upon signing a one-day contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, the team announced. The undrafted free agent out of Utah State played 14 seasons in the NFL, including five in Oakland and eight with the Buccaneers. Penn did not play last season. Las Vegas is placing a second-round tender on kicker Daniel Carlson, Pelissero reported, while noting that it's a strong move to prevent an offer sheet on the booter, who gets $3.38 million for 2021. In the Raiders' biggest move of the day, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has agreed to two-year, $26 million deal with the team, Rapoport reported.
- The Detroit Lions are re-signing linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to a one-year deal with $2,378,490 fully guaranteed, Rapoport reported. Detroit has released offensive lineman Joe Dahl.
- The Miami Dolphins signed veteran punter Michael Palardy, who spent the past five seasons with the Panthers. The team has also finalized a deal with fullback Cethan Carter for three years, Rapoport reported. Carter's deal is for $8.25 million over three years with $2.7 million guaranteed.
- The San Francisco 49ers are signing linebacker Samson Ebukam to a two-year, $12 million deal that can be worth $13.5 million with incentives, Pelissero and Rapoport reported. San Francisco has also agreed to terms with edge rusher Dee Ford on a restructured two-year deal.
- The New Orleans Saints are bringing back quarterback Jameis Winston on a one-year deal with a base value of $5.5 million, Pelissero reported. The Saints announced Monday they have agreed to terms with offensive lineman James Hurst on a three-year contract. Hurst started five games last year for the Saints.
- The Philadelphia Eagles announced Monday they have signed defensive lineman Brandon Graham to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season. An 11-year veteran who's played all his seasons in Philly since he was selected in the first round in 2010, recorded eight sacks in 2020, which saw him earn his first career Pro Bowl bid.
- The Buffalo Bills have signed special teamer Tyler Matakevich to a one-year extension through 2022, Garafolo reported.
- The New York Giants are signing RB Devontae Booker to a two-year, $6 million deal, Pelissero reported.
