Wide receiver isn’t a pressing need for the Los Angeles Rams, but they’ll more than likely add at least one at some point in the offseason. JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of the top free agents available and if the Rams were hoping he might be interested in a homecoming, they shouldn’t hold their breath.
Smith-Schuster, who is from Long Beach and went to USC, told TMZ Sports that he’s not looking to come home by signing with the Rams or Chargers. Even though he admitted it’d be nice to be close to his family, he’s focused on staying in Pittsburgh where he wants to retire.
“To be home close to family would be cool, but at the end of the day, I want to have my legacy in Pittsburgh and retire there. I don’t want to leave,” he said.
Smith-Schuster was asked again if he could see himself in a Rams or Chargers uniform, and he shut down the idea, once again saying he wants to stay with the Steelers.
“Nah, not right now. Until I actually get let go, other than that, I’m Pittsburgh for life,” he replied.
There’s no indication the Rams will have any interest in signing Smith-Schuster anyway, as he doesn’t fit the mold of a receiver they should be looking for. They need a player who can stretch the field vertically, which Smith-Schuster doesn’t exactly do; he averaged only 8.6 yards per catch last season with the fourth-lowest targeted air yards average (5.8) in the NFL.
They shouldn’t be hurt that Smith-Schuster doesn’t want to come home to L.A. There will be better (and cheaper) options available at wide receiver for the Rams.