The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver group has undergone a significant transformation this offseason, with the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. and the drafting of Germie Bernard. While the team appears to be set at the position, with Pittman as the No. 2 receiver alongside DK Metcalf and Bernard vying for the No. 3 spot, there's an intriguing possibility that has emerged. Michael Pittman Jr. has taken to social media to try and entice a familiar face back to the team: JuJu Smith-Schuster.
In a comment under Smith-Schuster's recent Instagram post, Pittman wrote, 'When you coming home, OG?'. This move is particularly interesting given the history between the two players. They were teammates for a year at USC, and it seems their relationship remains strong. However, the question remains: is it worth bringing Smith-Schuster back to Pittsburgh?
Smith-Schuster's time with the Steelers was highly successful. He was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact, with nearly 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season. His second year was even more impressive, as he made the Pro Bowl with 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. But, like many players, injuries took their toll, and Smith-Schuster's production declined over the next few seasons. He left the Steelers after the 2021 season and has been a free agent since, though he did help the Kansas City Chiefs win a Super Bowl.
The 29-year-old Smith-Schuster's performance in 2025 was underwhelming, with only 33 catches for 345 yards and one touchdown. While he could be a decent emergency option, it's unlikely he would displace any of the Steelers' current receivers. The team's receiver room is already full, with Metcalf and Pittman as the top two options, Bernard and Roman Wilson competing for the No. 3 spot, and Ben Skowronek and Kaden Wetjen contributing on special teams. Bringing Smith-Schuster back might not make sense unless one of these players gets injured.
Despite the current depth, Pittman's desire to play with Smith-Schuster is understandable. Their college relationship and ongoing friendship provide a strong foundation for a potential reunion. However, the Steelers' current receiver room is well-stocked, and Smith-Schuster's decline in performance may make it a risky move. The team's focus on rebuilding and the potential for injury provide a compelling reason to consider bringing him back, but it remains to be seen if the Steelers will take the plunge and bring Smith-Schuster back to the fold.
