A Steelers-JuJu Smith-Schuster reunion? Three reasons why veteran WR could return to Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ long-awaited search to find a proven veteran could end with a familiar face. While currently working for the New England Patriots, JuJu Smith-Schuster could end up returning to Pittsburgh, where he became a star during his early years with NFL.

At the end of the 2023 season, Pittsburgh saw up close what Smith-Schuster is still capable of doing. Facing the Steelers in what turned out to be his final game of the season, Smith-Schuster caught four passes for 90 yards as he helped New England defeat Pittsburgh.

At just 27 years old, Smith-Schuster is coming off a disappointing first season in New England. But a year earlier, he played a key role in the Chiefs’ No. 2 seed. Super Bowl victory with Patrick Mahomes under center. He led all Kansas City receivers in yards in the regular season before catching seven passes in the Chiefs’ victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

Here are three reasons why Smith-Schuster could be back in Pittsburgh before the Steelers begin training camp in late July.

JuJu’s contract

The Patriots are financially motivated to part ways with Smith-Schuster, who is entering the second year of a three-year, $33 million contract. The Patriots will incur about $9.6 million in dead money if they release Smith-Schuster after June 1, but they will incur just $2.6 million in dead money if they are able to trade him.

If the Steelers acquire Smith-Schuster, it would likely happen after the Patriots release him or trade him with an agreement that New England would receive a chunk of his salary.

Pats WR Depth

New England worked hard this off-season to rebuild a previously depleted receiving corps. They spent a second-round pick on Ja’Lynn Polk and a fourth-round pick on fellow prospect Javon Baker. In free agency, the Patriots signed former Viking KJ Osborn, who threw 15 touchdowns during his final three years in Minnesota.

These acquisitions made Smith-Schuster expendable, to say the least. The Patriots, however, are likely waiting to see how some of their young wideouts perform in spring training before possibly considering parting ways with Smith-Schuster, who at this point is projected as a backup in New England behind Polk, Kendrick Bourne. and By Mário Douglas.

Steelers WR Corps

The most obvious reason, Smith-Schuster would help round out the Steelers receiving corps that has yet to replace Diontae Johnson after he was traded to Carolina. In Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster would provide a much-needed veteran presence in a room that is currently devoid of it.

Despite his age, Smith-Schuster is likely in the final nine years of his career. Injuries limited him last year, and it’s been six years since his last – and only – 1,000-yard season in the NFL.

When healthy, though, Smith-Schuster has proven to be a productive, well-rounded player who is more than willing to block to help the running game. That was one of the reasons the Steelers drafted him in the second round in 2017.

Unlike some players of his stature, Smith-Schuster probably wouldn’t mind playing second or even third fiddle behind George Pickens and rookie Roman Wilson. Winning appears to be more of a driving force for Smith-Schuster, who would likely love the chance to help a new generation of Steelers players maximize their potential while chasing a championship.