No one loves a ‘feel good’ story like fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and no one loves those tear-jerking reunions quite like us either. So when rumors start flying that JuJu Smith-Schuster returning to the Black and Gold is a distinct possibility the Terrible Towel twirlers really get in their feels!
Unfortunately I don’t see it happening and furthermore I don’t see why it would happen.
The Steelers needing a reliable number two wide receiver is the worst kept secret in pro football. You know it, I know it, they know it and so do the other 31 teams. In other words, teams aren’t just going to hand over wide receiver talent as the New England Patriots would need to as Smith-Schuster is under contract with them. Would the Patriots take a conditional 6th or 7th round pick based on playing time for him? Maybe… But the bigger question is why would the Steelers trade for him in the first place?
You’ll recall that JuJu made his biggest impact here in Pittsburgh as a slot receiver and right now we have as many of those as the city has bridges. We don’t need another one. Could he play the #2 spot? Absolutely he could but he isn’t going to scare anyone at all. JuJu has never been fast and he’s never been considered a “great” route runner either. He has made his living relying on physicality, smarts and having some pretty darn good QBs throwing him the ball.
There is also the issue of health. As with most players who have been in the League seven seasons, there have been some injuries. From five concussions to knee and foot issues, he’s hardly a sure thing anymore to be reliable over the course of a season. He’s missed 19 games over the last three seasons and was placed on season-ending injured reserve by the Pats at the end of last year.
I firmly believe the Steelers will wait this out. They have a number of guys battling at OTAs for the spot and I have to assume they hope that Van Jefferson takes the job so that Roman Wilson can be more effective and more comfortable from the slot. If that doesn’t happen then I believe as Training Camp rolls on in the summer you’ll see Omar Khan get a little more active.
Feel good stories and wonderful reunions rarely result in victories and championships and while JuJu is and always has been an intriguing guy, I just don’t see it on this occasion.
