First Call: JuJu Smith-Schuster insists he wants to stay in Pittsburgh; Steelers out on J.J. Watt?; ‘Big Al’ to Indy?
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Thursday’s “First Call” finds JuJu Smith-Schuster beaming with hope about staying with the Steelers.
A few destinations are emerging for J.J. Watt, and Pittsburgh isn’t on the list.
An AFC playoff suitor is mentioned for Alejandro Villanueva’s services. The Flyers are back on track. And it seems like big money may be coming in on Gerrit Cole in the Big Apple.
‘Pittsburgh for life’
A TMZ videographer spotted Steelers free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster in Los Angeles. He asked the wide receiver if he could ever see himself in a L.A. Rams or Chargers uniform.
“Not right now. Until I actually get let go, other than that, I’m Pittsburgh for life,” Smith-Schuster replied.
Smith-Schuster claimed that he’d like to remain with the Steelers for the rest of his career.
“At the end of the day, I want to have my legacy in Pittsburgh and retire there,” Smith-Schuster said. “I don’t want to leave.”
The 24-year-old pass catcher also praised the “chemistry” he has with Ben Roethlisberger, calling him a lock for the Hall of Fame. He stated that he’d “love to play with Ben” going so far as to say “gimme four more years.” But then he couched that comment by saying he understood Roethlisberger’s advanced age compared to his.
That all sounds great. Let’s see what JuJu is saying when the Steelers offer comes in, compared to what he’ll get from other teams.
Watt’s the latest?
It doesn’t sound like the Steelers are going to complete the Watt brother hat trick.
At least according to John Clayton. The NFL insider was on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday. And he said that he didn’t expect free agent defensive lineman J.J. Watt to sign in Pittsburgh, even though his brothers T.J. and Derek are Steelers.
“I think it’s going to be Tennessee, Buffalo or Green Bay,” Clayton told the PM Team. “Probably more Tennessee or Green Bay. Outside chance of the Raiders, but they can’t afford him.”
Clayton added the Cleveland Browns as “still being in” on Watt. The Browns were perceived to be an early favorite in the process.
Elsewhere for Al?
If Alejandro Villanueva doesn’t re-sign to continue playing with the Steelers, the Los Angeles Chargers have been mentioned as a potential landing spot.
However, NFL.com is advancing the idea of a new home for the left tackle. Gil Brandt writes that the Indianapolis Colts would be a fine fit for the veteran free agent.
“The Colts are in need of a left tackle, with Anthony Castonzo retiring and former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz set to take over at quarterback … Villanueva has started every game in the past six years and is solid in both the run game and pass protection. Indianapolis will no doubt be driven to protect its investment under center, and adding Villanueva would make a lot of sense.”
Brandt says that Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Cam Robinson “would also be appealing.” But he expects the Jags to either re-sign or franchise Robinson.
Cash on Cole
Former Pirate Gerrit Cole is the odds-on favorite to win the American League Cy Young Award. If you are betting in Pennsylvania, PlayUSA.com has Cole at +330 to win the honor with the New York Yankees. He’s the favorite to win the strikeouts title at +450 as well.
Cole led the American League with 326 strikeouts back in 2019. He finished second that year in the Cy Young balloting behind Houston Astros teammate Justin Verlander. But Cole has never won it. He finished fourth last year with the Yankees and in 2015 with the Pirates. He finished fifth in 2018 with Houston.
Fellow former Pirates right hander Tyler Glasnow (Tampa Bay) is fourth to win the A.L. Cy Young at +1200. Jameson Taillon, now of the Yankees as well, is way down the list at +5000. New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom is the National League favorite at +380.
Flyin’ high again
After two straight losses, the Philadelphia Flyers are back in the win column. James van Riemsdyk and Shayne Gostisbehere each scored a power play goal for the Flyers as they beat the New York Rangers 4-3.
That's now 7️⃣PPGs for JVR, tying him for the league lead. #AnytimeAnywhere | #NYRvsPHI pic.twitter.com/Gu2gi1mjdc
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 25, 2021
with a beauty and the blueliners are taking it to the blue shirts. #AnytimeAnywhere | #NYRvsPHI pic.twitter.com/bHLT8iVZkw
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 25, 2021
The Flyers are now 0-3-2 against the Eastern Division-leading Boston Bruins but 9-1-1 versus the rest of the division.
Boston is in first place with 24 points. The Washington Capitals are in second with 22. Then the Flyers, Penguins and New York Islanders are all tied with 21 points. The top four teams make the playoffs.
The Pens and Caps play each other Thursday night. So do the Bruins and Islanders.