There is a rumor circulating on social media that the New England Patriots might choose to part ways with veteran and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster .
Anytime a former Steeler is either on the market or could be on the market, the fan base gets fired up about a reunion. In most cases, it’s all smoke but no fire and the addition isn’t as significant as most want to believe.
But Smith-Schuster might be different. The Steelers are in desperate need of a No. 2 wide receiver, and Smith-Schuster has proved his worth in that role.
Smith-Schuster spent his first five seasons with the Steelers and was far and away the most successful in Pittsburgh. In 2018, Smith-Schuster hauled in 111 passes and then in 2020 had 97 receptions.
With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith implementing his system, having receivers who are fearless as a run blocker is a must. One of the things Smith-Schuster has always been known for is his willingness to do the dirty work in the run game.
Should he end up on the market, signing Smith-Schuster makes perfect sense. The Steelers have plenty of money to spend, and the 27-year-old receiver needs to come back home.
4 reasons why a JuJu Smith-Schuster return to Steelers makes sense
Steelers brace for impact of JuJu Smith-Schuster's absense
A look back at 2021 season of Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throws to wide receiver JuJu… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throws to wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster before they play the Las Vegas Raiders at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) signs autographs for… Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) signs autographs for fans after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) warms up before… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) warms up before playing the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) warms up before… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) warms up before playing the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass for a first down during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a catch as Detroit Lions cornerback AJ Parker (41) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) chase during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass for a first down during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) celebrates a first… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) celebrates a first down during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs for a… Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs for a first down during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) attempts… Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) attempts to tackle Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs… Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs with the ball past Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) avoids… Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) avoids the tackle attempt of Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (right) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) reacts… Sep 12, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) reacts to his first down catch against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle Bills Levi Wallace breaks up a pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster. Bills Levi Wallace breaks up a pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jg 091221 Bills 7
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Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster can't hold onto this pass as he is hit by Levi Wallace… Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster can't hold onto this pass as he is hit by Levi Wallace and Matt Milano. Jg 091221 Bills 24b
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Jonathan Abram tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Jonathan Abram tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after a five yard gain in the first qwuarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is greeted by his… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is greeted by his teammates as they take the field to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Heinz Field. The Raiders won the game 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 26, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) and Eric Ebron… Sep 26, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) and Eric Ebron (85) and James Washington (13) exit the tunnel before playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a catch as Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) defends during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a catch against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) scores a six… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) scores a six yard touchdown on an end around against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) scores a six… Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) scores a six yard touchdown on an end around against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Sep 26, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) makes a catch… Sep 26, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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Syndication: The Enquirer Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) is pulled down by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Kevin… Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) is pulled down by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson (69) on a catch in the second quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. The Bengals led 14-7 at halftime. Cincinnati Bengals At Pittsburgh Steelers
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) defends the… Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) defends the pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) can't make… Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) can't make the catch in the second quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) tries to… Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) tries to stretch for a first down against Green Bay Packers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers October 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) tackles… October 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/Green Bay Press Gazette via USA TODAY NETWORK
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Syndication: PackersNews Green Bay Packers outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19)… Green Bay Packers outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Gpg Packersvsteelers 100321 0010
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NFL: Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers Oct 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a… Oct 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) runs after a catch as Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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