Former Steelers WR set to be released, should Pittsburgh reunite?

Mike Moraitis

Former Steelers WR set to be released, should Pittsburgh reunite? image

As we continue to wait for something to happen between the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers with a Brandon Aiyuk trade, the Steelers remain in need of help at the wide receiver position. And, it just so happens an old friend is about to become available: JuJu Smith-Schuster.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New England Patriots are about to release the wide receiver the day after they played their first preseason game. In that contest, Smith-Schuster didn't record a catch in 11 snaps.

Of course, this has led many to wonder if the Steelers should think about reuniting with the their former second-round pick. Our answer: it couldn't hurt.

Granted, JuJu is not what he once was, there are serious questions about his knees, and he's coming off a season in which he played in just 11 games and tallied 260 receiving yards.

However, he can probably be had for very cheap on a vet minimum deal, which is worth it on the outside chance he can actually contribute something to this team. If it doesn't work out, the Steelers can cut him without a second thought.

Is JuJu a question mark? Absolutely, but who on the Steelers' wide receiver depth chart isn't outside of George Pickens?

At least Smith-Schuster has a history of production, and it wasn't long ago when he finished with over 900 receiving yards and three scores in 2022. If he can give Pittsburgh half that, it'll be worth it.

At this point, the Steelers can't be picky when it comes to adding more options, and they certainly can't simply rely on an Aiyuk trade given how back and forth things have been.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.