Rumor: Steelers Want Aiyuk, Considering Juju

He's not exactly Brandon Aiyuk.

But he might have to do in a pinch.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a wide receiver, with the idea being that they could acquire a guy who vaults immediately to the top of the totem pole.

That "idea'' is all about Aiyuk, the 49ers star who wants out of San Francisco ...

Or who maybe just wants more money to stay there.

Meanwhile, old pal JuJu Smith-Schuster - after a brief stint with the New England Patriots - is suddenly available.

Smith-Schuster was cut by the Pats just one year into his three-year deal. Does a reunion work? Given his familiarity and history with the Steelers, there is buzz that the 27-year-old receiver might be on his way back to Pittsburgh.

During his previous tenure with the Steelers, Smith-Schuster made an impact, playing in 63 games with 51 starts over five seasons. He recorded 323 receptions for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns, all while being a reliable run blocker and a vocal leader in the locker room.

These qualities could make him a fine candidate for a team looking to strengthen its wide receiver corps.

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George Pickens is the top guy here. Could Smith-Schuster could slot in alongside or behind Calvin Austin in the Steelers' lineup? With his ability to play on the outside and his experience across multiple roles, he could provide valuable depth and flexibility for Pittsburgh.

This might be as much about stability as anything else ... especially at this time when as it relates to Aiyuk, nothing at all seems stable.