Most NFL rosters are already taking shape with the 2026 regular season approaching, but several recognizable veterans are still searching for another opportunity. These players may no longer be at their peak, but injuries and weaknesses across NFL rosters could eventually open the door for them.
Jonnu Smith, Allen Lazard and JuJu Smith-Schuster are three veteran offensive free agents still on the market. All three have experienced recent declines, but each could make sense as an experienced depth addition for the right team.
Jonnu Smith is coming off a disappointing season
Smith’s production fell considerably during his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran tight end finished 2025 with only 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
Those numbers were especially disappointing considering what Smith accomplished one year earlier. With the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Smith recorded career highs with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
The 31-year-old is unlikely to recreate those numbers, but he has shown he can still be productive in the right situation. Smith also remains capable of creating yards after the catch.
Teams may not be rushing to sign him before the season, but that could quickly change if injuries hit at tight end. Smith could provide an experienced receiving option for a contender looking to add depth during the year.
Allen Lazard could reunite with Aaron Rodgers
Lazard is another veteran whose production has declined in recent years. However, his size, blocking ability and experience could still make him an option for a team searching for veteran depth at wide receiver.
One potential situation to watch is the Pittsburgh Steelers if they run into problems at receiver. Lazard has an extensive history with Aaron Rodgers dating back to their time together with the Green Bay Packers and later the New York Jets.
Rodgers has shown throughout his career that he values familiarity with receivers he trusts. Pittsburgh provided another example last season when the Steelers added former Rodgers teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
That does not mean Lazard will end up in Pittsburgh, but the connection makes him a name worth remembering if the Steelers suffer injuries or need another veteran receiver. At this stage of his career, Lazard would likely have to accept a cheap deal and compete for a depth role.
JuJu Smith-Schuster was recently released
Smith-Schuster is one of the newest veteran offensive free agents available after recently being released. The move puts the 29-year-old back on the open market as he searches for another NFL opportunity.
Smith-Schuster was once one of the league’s most productive young receivers. During his breakout 2018 season with the Steelers, he recorded 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, injuries and declining production have changed his value considerably. Smith-Schuster is no longer someone a team should expect to become a featured receiver.
Instead, he will likely have to settle for a cheap one-year deal and compete for a depth role. His experience could still become useful if a team loses receivers to injuries and needs someone who can step into an NFL offense.
None of these three players are likely to have significant markets right now. That could change once the season begins. Older veterans often remain available until injuries create opportunities, and Smith, Lazard and Smith-Schuster could all receive calls if teams suddenly need experienced offensive depth.
