There was a time when the Pittsburgh Steelers had the most feared offense in the entire NFL. In 2017, the unit had future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger operating an offense that included Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant. The result was a dominant 13-3 regular season. The playoffs did not go as fans had hoped, but the future was bright if the team could sign Bell to a long-term contract in the 2018 offseason. Unfortunately, he would never play for Pittsburgh again and Brown wasn't too far behind him following the 2018 season.
Steelers former wide receiver, Antonio Brown (#84) celebrates in the end one after scoring at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: AP Photo / Keith Srakocic
Even though Bell held out the entire 2018 campaign, the combination of Brown and Smith-Schuster was lethal. The two combined for 215 catches, 2,723 yards receiving and 22 touchdowns. It seemed as if the duo could have been on track to be the best wide receiver tandem in franchise history. That reality turned into fiction after Brown's rough breakup with the team following the season.
Smith-Schuster was voted the Steelers' 2018 MVP and became the top pass catcher on the roster after Brown's departure. He didn't live up to expectations and only totaled 1,512 receiving yards from 2019-2021 after having 1,426 in 2018 alone. It seemed pretty evident that Smith-Schuster needed another star receiver next to him in order to have huge success.
The fan-favorite ended up winning a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 after signing a one-year deal. He then made the decision to sign with the New England Patriots during the 2023 offseason and will play for Head Coach, Bill Belichick in his seventh NFL season. He hasn't been shy about throwing shade Pittsburgh's way, either.
Steelers former wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster (#19) warms up on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field prior to a 2021 regular season game. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The decision to sign with the Patriots was a soul-crusher for Steelers' fans who not only hoped for a potential reunion, but also because of the long in-conference rivalry Pittsburgh has developed with New England during the 21st century. Now, Smith-Schuster has a legitimate chance to return to Pro Bowl form if Belichick brings in the hottest free agent on the market.
Former #AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is set to visit the #Patriots next week, sources say. This is after his #Titans visit, as Hopkins’ free agent market heats up. New England could add a top pass-catcher for Mac Jones. pic.twitter.com/ip2KCk2pLN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2023
While Mac Jones is no Roethlisberger, a wide receiver duo of Smith-Schuster and DeAndre Hopkins could be exactly what the former Steelers' pass catcher needs to return to elite form. There was no clear-cut partner in crime his last few years in Pittsburgh and he didn't have Tyreek Hill in Kansas City after the speedster was traded to the Miami Dolphins in the 2022 offseason.
Hopkins is 31 years old, but proved in 2022 that he still has it. He only played in nine games, but still managed 717 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Defenses main focus will be on him if he ends up in New England and Smith-Schuster would have some deja vu dating back to his time with the Steelers and Brown. He could have his best season since 2018 if this comes to fruition.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins (#10) celebrates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. | Photo Credit: Getty Images / Norm Hall
Steelers Fans May Have To Watch Smith-Schuster Dominate Defenses In 2023
There's no doubt that it will be hard for Smith-Schuster to ever top his 2018 campaign. Hopkins at 31 isn't what Brown was back then, either. But, the three-time All-Pro would be the best receiving partner that Smith-Schuster has had since Brown and the two could help elevate Jones to a new level. Hopkins is likely to take his time in free agency, but if he decides that New England is the best fit for him, Smith-Schuster will be grinning from ear to ear.
Do you think the former Steelers wide receiver could have the best season of his career if Hopkins joins him and the Patriots? Let us know in the comments below!
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