Steelers "Have Enough Guys Like" JuJu Smith-Schuster; He's Not An Answer In Their Desperate Search For A WR2

The Pittsburgh Steelers extensively revamped their offense during this past offseason. That included hiring new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and acquiring new quarterbacks, notably Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. They also continued to build the offensive line from last season by drafting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier, and also wide receiver Roman Wilson as a playmaker on the outside.

These new players, combined with solid veterans like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Pat Freiermuth, seem to make a solid unit, except there appears to be one missing piece: another solid wide receiver. The Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers at the start of the offseason, leaving George Pickens in the top spot and many depth pieces battling to move up. 

Throughout camp, those players, including Wilson, Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III, fought to make a name for themselves. Unfortunately, at the end of July, Wilson suffered an ankle injury, ironically during a dreaded jet sweep, that is set to keep him out for weeks. The good news is that it appeared to be nothing more than a sprain, and Wilson was seen walking out of his boot. The bad news is that Wilson, a third-round draft pick, likely isn't ready to step into the number two role just yet. 

Steelers fans are known to clamor for every available player on social media, regardless of how realistic it is. That's why it wasn't surprising a well-known name from the past was recently tossed around in JuJu Smith-Schuster. Ray Fittipaldo, from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, said Tuesday in his popular chat column that the Steelers are limited on options when a fan asked how likely it is that they will bring back Smith-Schuster. 

"As far as JuJu goes, they have enough guys like him," wrote Fittipaldo. "What they really need is a No. 2 WR and they don't grow on trees."

Smith-Schuster was a polarizing figure when he was in Pittsburgh. His high-energy antics either made fans love him or hate him. The offensive production that Smith-Schuster put out is undeniable. He had solid seasons in the Steel City until he signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. He helped them win a Super Bowl before signing a three-year deal with the New England Patriots. After a less-than-stellar 2023, the Patriots chose to cut Smith-Schuster loose. 

The Steelers could likely get Smith-Schuster on a cheap deal, but Fittipaldo is right that he likely doesn't fill the role the team needs. In part, the purpose of the second receiver is to help take some pressure off of Pickens, who will likely be double-teamed. So far, it seems as if the Steelers are still looking for a player to fill that role.

Steelers Still In The Mix For Brandon Aiyuk

The Steelers have reportedly been courting San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk for what feels like ages. Aiyuk, ranked the second-best receiver in the league by Pro Football Focus in 2023, is a perfect fit for the Steelers, at least on paper. 

Rumors say Aiyuk was unhappy with the 49ers' initial offer and began to shop himself around. A number of teams were in the mix, but the only one Aiyuk was willing to consider was the one from the Steel City. Unfortunately, the 49ers were reportedly unhappy with the trade compensation offered, and the trade talks ground to a halt. 

Fittipaldo said in the same chat that he doesn't think the door is closed on a possible trade between the Steelers and Aiyuk. He added that he doesn't believe there is much more Pittsburgh can do. General Manager Omar Khan has made his offer and now has to sit back and wait. The 49rs and Aiyuk are reportedly close to working something out, but Fittipaldo said that Aiyuk can continue to refuse. He said they just keep pressure on the 49ers and hope they want to end the drama that has been created. 

What do you think about the Steelers possibly bringing back Smith-Schuster? Click to comment below. 

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