Key Takeaways:
– The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a quest to find their No. 2 wide receiver.
– Former Steelers player, JuJu Smith-Schuster, could be a possible addition to the team.
– Alex Kay from Bleacher Report names Smith-Schuster as a potential cut for the New England Patriots.
– Despite a less productive season with the Patriots, a healthy Smith-Schuster could still be a significant addition to teams.
– Smith-Schuster shone with the Steelers from 2017-2021, highlighting a potentially successful return if cut by the Patriots.
Pittsburgh Steelers Search for No. 2 Wide Receiver
Pittsburgh Steelers are in an active search for an additional wide receiver. With rumors spinning and potential prospects emerging, a familiar face may be on the horizon. As part of one possible scenario, the team’s former receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, stands out as a potential recruit. Despite rumors surrounding San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk, Smith-Schuster offers a more realistic possibility for the team.
JuJu Smith-Schuster as a Potential Addition
Alex Kay from Bleacher Report points to Smith-Schuster as a potential cut candidate for the New England Patriots. This identifies him as a potential recruit for the Steelers. In his opinion, a healthy Smith-Schuster, although unlikely to return to his Pro Bowl form, could still be a strong asset as a high-end No. 3 wideout. This is due to his prospective ability to enhance plenty of teams.
A Track Record Worth Considering
Smith-Schuster’s best NFL seasons took place as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2017 to 2021. He had especially exceptional performance in 2018 when he earned his place in the Pro Bowl with 111 receptions, 1,426 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. While playing for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, 933 receiving yards added to his record. Therefore, his history indicates potential for a powerful return to the Steelers.
Patriots May Find Smith-Schuster Expendable
Smith-Schuster’s performance has been lackluster with the New England Patriots and as a result, he could face a potential cut this summer. During the last season, he acquired 29 receptions with only 260 receiving yards and one touchdown during his 11 games. It is possible this underperformance trend might result in the Patriots favoring a roster spot over him, despite two seasons remaining on his three-year, $25.5 million contract.
The Patriots, meanwhile, have a substantial cap space of $43.3 million. Cutting Smith-Schuster would mean a $9.6 million dead money charge in 2024 and an additional $2.6 million in 2025. However, the team’s available cap space and its urgency to rebuild might find it feasible to lose Smith-Schuster.
As the Steelers continue their search for a second wide receiver, Smith-Schuster presents as an exciting prospect. Considering his stellar performance during his time with the Steelers, his return to the team could provide a much-needed boost to the franchise.
While Smith-Schuster’s future remains uncertain at the moment, his potential cut by the Patriots may open doors for a return to Pittsburgh, where his most remarkable NFL seasons were played. The possibility of Smith-Schuster rejoining the Steelers paints an exciting prospect and may offer a suitable solution to their search for a No. 2 wide receiver.