Are Steelers desperate enough to reunite with WR JuJu Smith-Schuster?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known to reunite with players in the past — James Harrison and, most recently, Cameron Sutton, come to mind.

In their quest for wide receiver depth, JuJu Smith-Schuster is another former player who it could make sense to give a call.

Though none are substantiated, there are rumblings that Smith-Schuster could be in danger of being released from the New England Patriots this summer.

The seven-year veteran logged just 260 yards and a touchdown in his first season with the Patriots. But, let’s face it, that entire offense was a bit of a clown show (no offense to clowns).

Are the Steelers desperate enough to reunite with Smith-Schuster should his time in New England come to an end? My thought is no. It seems he no longer has the juice to be a No. 1/No. 2 receiver, which Pittsburgh truly needs. He’d likely just be lumped in with Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson and Quez Watkins. And it’s doubtful Smith-Schuster would be satisfied in a situation like that.

If Smith-Schuster shows signs of life during training camp, the Patriots will likely keep him around, hoping he bounces back in their new offense. New England signed Smith-Schuster to a three-year deal in 2023, which carries a dead cap hit of nearly $10 million if he’s cut.