The Pittsburgh Steelers may be desperate for help at wide receiver once training camp gets underway in late July. As of now, George Pickens leads the way with the rest of the room including an unproven rookie along with a handful of fringe wide receiver threes. The room does have some experience as guys like Van Jefferson and Denzel Mims may shock people. However, it is a lot more likely that Pittsburgh will come to the realization that they need to look outside the organization to improve their receiver group.
Even if Pittsburgh's third round round pick, Roman Wilson, makes an impact in the passing game, Pittsburgh will likely need another receiver with experience on the roster. Injuries happen every season, so a team can never be too careful at any position. There are obvious, unreasonable options for Pittsburgh to pursue at receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel.
While there are also some players who could be acquired in a trade that wouldn't cost much, like former Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Steelers insider for The Athletic, Mark Kaboly, shared in a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan that he would be in favor of the team bringing in Smith-Schuster.
"I don't know how much he still has left. I don't know if he's been injured. That stuff, they'd have to bring him in and make that determination. But if you're giving me the JuJu of two to three years ago, yeah, absolutely, I'd bring him in. There ain't too many that's tougher than JuJu in that slot position blocking and getting that extra yard or two for a first down. I would love him in that position. If he can play, he can play. I would bring him in. But I'm not quite sure of the health and even the want-to. Maybe JuJu doesn't want to come here, either. But I would take him. I would definitely take him."
Smith-Schuster's play style is one that would fit Pittsburgh's offense perfectly under Arthur Smith. He was an effective and willing down-field blocker that could even take on linebackers while coming from his slot receiver position. Smith-Schuster was an impactful receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2022 season, but took a step back in 2023 with the New England Patriots.
Smith-Schuster's disappointing play in 2023 could be blamed on several things, including his health and New England's quarterback situation. It was likely pretty difficult to be effective in the Patriots' offense while Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe were at quarterback. Smith-Schuster only managed to play in 11 games in 2023, starting just seven. He recorded just 29 catches for 290 yards and one touchdown.
These numbers were some of lowest of Smith-Schuster's career, which is incredibly disappointing for the Patriots since they signed him to a three-year deal worth just over $25 million. $16 million of the contract was guaranteed.
Steelers Could Get JuJu Smith-Schuster Back For Cheap
The Patriots have made some moves which could lead some to think they plan to move on from Smith-Schuster. New England used two of their top four picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on wide receivers, while also signing KJ Osborn and re-signing Kendrick Bourne. Osborn had a great season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, and Bourne is a reliable third or fourth option at receiver. The two rookies will also see the field quite a bit, which doesn't leave much room for Smith-Schuster to make an impact.
Pittsburgh could trade for Smith-Schuster, which wouldn't cost much. Due to his down year in 2023 it would probably only take one or two Day 3 selections. Since $16 million of Smith-Schuster's contract was guaranteed, he wouldn't be bringing a large cap hit to Pittsburgh. New England could also choose to release him, which would make him a free agent that Pittsburgh could pursue on a new contract.
