Ex-Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster's Job In New England In Jeopardy: 'Not A Fit Here Anymore'

If the Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for anything in the 21st century, it's drafting wide receivers. The Steelers have been able to find hidden gems in drafts such as Antonio Brown and Diontae Johnson, but have had a share of busts like James Washington. Even if they haven't gone on to be star players with the Steelers, there are plenty that have gone on to have successful careers with other teams such as Emmanuel Sanders with the Denver Broncos. 

The biggest gamble when it comes to second contracts for any team is whether the player was just good because of other pieces around them, or if that player simply has star potential. It's the gamble that is taken by teams, and why some elect to just keep things internal and draft their stars. This profile matches the career of JuJu Smith-Schuster, is set to enter his second season with the New England Patriots. 

Smith-Schuster was drafted in the second round of the NFL 2017 Draft by the Steelers with the 62nd overall pick. After several successful seasons in Pittsburgh where he amassed 3,855 yards, 26 touchdowns and a Pro Bowl nod in 2018, he finally departed the Steel City.

Smith-Schuster would sign a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, contributing 933 yards and three touchdowns en route to helping the organization win a Super Bowl. In 2023, Smith-Schsuter would sign with Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Now under new Head Coach Jerod Mayo, there is a belief that Smith-Schuster's short stint in Foxborough may be over. According to Patriots Reporter Greg Bedard, Smith-Schuster is "no longer a fit" in New England.

"I don't really see a fit for Juju here. I think Mayo talked about the competition in the room, and definitely sort of a [Bill] Belichick acquisition. Veteran guy that you've seen he's played games, stuff like that. This is just a different regime. Juju Smith-Schuster, to me, is not a fit here anymore, and I would be surprised if he's here all that much longer."

Smith-Schuster signed a three-year $25,500,000 contract with the Patriots in 2023. The hope was that Smith-Schuster would be able to shine in a rather lackluster wide receiver room in New England and help Mac Jones succeed. This ended up not being the case as Smith-Schuster was only able to haul in 29 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown.

As with many players for the Patriots in the post Tom Brady-era, many veterans were brought in to fill holes, rather than tear things down and start again. Though the Patriots don't have much depth behind him, they could elect to move on from Smith-Schuster as they continue their rebuild, and allow him to re-enter free agency at the age of 27. 

Steelers Having Interest In Smith-Schuster Not Out Of The Question

It's entirely possible Smith-Schuster could return to the team that drafted him (if released). Smith-Schuster enjoyed a career year in 2018 collecting almost 1,500 receiving yards, but hasn't eclipsed 1,000 yards since. Smith-Schuster was viewed as a potential number one option after leaving Pittsburgh, but never emerged as a star after Brown's departure to the Las Vegas Raiders. 

The eight-year veteran seems to fit in as a depth piece for whatever team elects to bring him in if the Patriots part ways with him, though there still may be gas in the tank for Smith-Schuster. 

The Steelers head into summer with George Pickens and Roman Wilson set to be the one-two punch, but still lack proven depth behind them after cutting Allen Robinson II prior to the draft. Smith-Schuster can return to the slot, and may benefit in having a deep ball threat in Pickens next to him similar to Brown's presence early in his career. 

The Steelers are still looking for a proven number two option and have been linked to several trades since the trade of Johnson, but may be content in bringing back a familiar face who can contribute to the offense as well as special teams where Smith-Schuster has a 96 yard return against the Cleveland Browns in 2017.