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Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders proposed the possibility of the Pittsburgh Steelers bringing back JuJu Smith-Schuster in NFL free agency.
After free agency departures this spring, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have many players left from the Kevin Colbert era. But Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders proposed the possibility of the team bringing back one of their former Colbert draft picks — wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Saunders argued Monday the Steelers should still pursue wideout options to play in the slot next season. Saunders then listed five slot receivers as potential targets.
Smith-Schuster made the list as the final option.
“JuJu Smith-Schuster is nowhere near the same player he was when he left Pittsburgh, but still played a lot of snaps for Kansas City last year and managed 345 yards,” Saunders wrote. “He’s always been a good blocker and a physical presence in the slot, and when you look at the interior options in the 2026 NFL Draft, a lot of them are smaller players, meaning their could be a role for a player like Smith-Schuster, even if the Steelers draft one.”
The Steelers picked Smith-Schuster during the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In five seasons with Pittsburgh, he posted 323 receptions, 3,855 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.
Over the past four seasons, Smith-Schuster has played for the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. He won the Super Bowl with the Chiefs during the 2022 campaign.
His best statistical seasons in the league, though, came during his first five years with the Steelers. In 2018, Smith-Schuster made the Pro Bowl with 111 catches, 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Could Steelers Bring Back WR JuJu Smith-Schuster?
As Saunders explained, Smith-Schuster isn’t the same receiver he was with the Steelers early in his career.
During his first four NFL campaigns, Smith-Schuster recorded at least 550 receiving yards. He had 830 or more in three of his first four seasons as well.
In 2021, though, Smith-Schuster only played five contests because of a shoulder injury. While he rebounded to the tune of 933 receiving yards for the Chiefs the following season, Smith-Schuster has seen his statistics rapidly declined since then.
He’s posted between 230-350 receiving yards each of the past three seasons despite not yet turning 30.
Due to the declining production, the idea of Smith-Schuster returning to Pittsburgh is probably mostly tied to nostalgia. But as long as the Steelers don’t have to count on the veteran as a top playmaker, he could fit back in the Pittsburgh offense.
Wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. should be the Steelers top two wideouts next season. The team is also returning tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Steelers WR Depth in 2026 NFL Free Agency
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly argued early this offseason the team could use two additions at wide receiver — one in free agency and another in the draft.
Through a little more than a week in free agency, the Steelers have only added Pittman. That means another wideout addition is on the table.
But the question is whether the team would still be interested in drafting receiver if it adds a slot wideout in free agency.
Saunders suggested the Steelers could make both additions. Such a move, though, would likely prevent former third-round pick Roman Wilson from finding a role again in 2026.
Not that the Steelers should hand Wilson an opportunity this fall. The 2024 Day 2 selection has been a significant disappointment through two seasons.
But if the Steelers add two more receivers this offseason, Wilson could become a cut candidate this summer.
Drafting a receiver seems pretty likely for Pittsburgh. So, the Steelers might need to accept a potential Wilson departure before pursuing Smith-Schuster or another veteran wideout.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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