It's been five years since JuJu Smith-Schuster waved goodbye to the Pittsburgh Steelers. At his peak, JuJu was a young, lovable fan-favorite who proved to be a pivotal weapon in the passing game in Ben Roethlisberger's final five-year stint of his career.
Now, after quietly fizzling into irrelevance over the past three seasons, Smith-Schuster is getting a shot to prove he still has something left in the tank... and this could be his last.
On Monday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the New York Giants are bringing in the former Steelers receiver for a workout. But JuJu's not alone. The Giants are also working out veteran Braxton Berrios and former receiver and All-Pro Odell Beckham Jr.
At 29, Smith-Schuster isn't old, but he's got an uphill battle at this stage of his career to stick on an NFL roster and carve out a significant role.
This could be the last shot for former Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
It's almost hard to believe that this is the same receiver who recorded 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Steelers back in 2018. In recent years, Smith-Schuster has not resembled the player he was early in his Pittsburgh tenure.
Over each of the past three seasons—one in New England and two in Kansas City—JuJu has not recorded more than 345 yards or two touchdowns in a season despite playing in 42 games (making 27 starts).
JuJu has primarily operated as a 'big slot' over the past three years, averaging a modest 10.4 yards per reception. With no special teams ability—just nine ST snaps since his rookie season, per Pro Football Reference—the veteran will need to have a defined role on offense to stick around.
Thankfully, there's a window of opportunity with the Giants.
Malik Nabers is still recovering from a season-ending knee injury, and the competition is slim outside of the young star. If signed by New York, JuJu would compete for a role among players like Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, rookie Malachi Fields, and former Steelers receiver Calvin Austin III.
Even if Smith-Schuster ultimately inks a prove-it deal with the Giants and lands on their summer roster, there's no guarantee he would make the final cut and stick around with the team for the 2026 season. But if there's a golden opportunity, it might be in New York.
If JuJu can't land on his feet after his workout with the Giants, he's not guaranteed to get another chance.
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