Steelers News: JuJu Smith-Schuster signs with Chiefs, roster cuts, & more

It's a big week around the NFL. By the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline on August 27, all teams must cut their roster from 90 players down to just 53. Most teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, have already begun this process.

The Steelers get a week off before their regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but they are going to need this time to formulate a plan and put the finishing touches on their 2024 roster. The latest Steelers news involves a former wide receiver signing with an AFC opponent and the first wave of Pittsburgh roster cuts.

JuJu Smith-Schuster signs with Chiefs

JuJu Smith-Schuster's tenure in New England didn't last long. After just one year with the Patriots, the former Steelers receiver is returning to Kansas City to reunite with the Chiefs.

Smith-Schuster, a second-round pick of the Steelers in 2017, spent his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. Following an injury-plagued season in 2021, JuJu joined the Chiefs.

The wide receiver found some life on the Chiefs the last time around -- earning 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. Still just 27 years old as he enters his eighth NFL season, JuJu will look to remain relevant in this league.

Steelers make first wave of roster cuts

The Steelers didn't waste time getting the ball rolling with roster cuts. On Monday, August 26, the team announced they had parted ways with eight players.

Hitting the waiver wire are offensive lineman Tyler Beach, receiver Jacob Copeland, running back Daijun Edwards, offensive lineman Devery Hamilton, receiver T.J. Luther, defensive lineman Marquiss Spencer, linebacker Kyahva Tezino, and defensive back Kiondre Thomas.

None of these cuts were surprising, but they are only scratching the surface of what Omar Khan and the front office will have to do by the deadline. Stay tuned for updates as cuts continue to roll in.

Mike Tomlin eludes to Russell Wilson as starting quarterback

Mike Tomlin has not officially named a starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But unofficially, his words tell the whole story.

Brooke Pryor of ESPN recorded Tomlin's response when asked about why quarterback Russell Wilson was pulled from the game after just one series, which resulted in a touchdown for the Steelers.

"We just needed results that are indicative of how we've worked," Tomlin explained. "And so they were able to put together a score and drive and really just provided an opportunity to get Justin in there sooner, and so that's why we did it."

Tomlin noted that he will 'make that decision' about who will be the starting quarterback 'at the end of our work week'. But his decision to pull his veteran quarterback from the preseason finale after one series says it all. Wilson will be the Week 1 starting QB barring some unforeseen injury at practice.