Unknown Steelers journeyman is making coaches think twice

When the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field for their first week of training camp, fans were interested to see the new-look wide receiver room. Michael Pittsman Jr. was set to join DK Metcalf in the starting lineup, while rookie second-round pick Germie Bernard would be battling Roman Wilson for slot duties. 

But nobody gave a second thought to journeyman Brandon Smith. 

Smith was signed by the Steelers to a Reserve/Future contract in January with the expectation of being a ‘camp body’ who would help fill in the gaps of the 90-man roster. So far, he’s been more than that. 

In his first two practices of Steelers training camp, Smith has turned heads with impressive catches down the field, including a back-shoulder catch. Now the long-shot wideout could already be making the coaching staff think twice about his future with the team. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers must give WR Brandon Smith a hard look this summer

This isn’t Smith’s first rodeo. Before joining the Steelers, Smith spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. He was even part of the UFL’s D.C. Defenders. 

Unfortunately, his inability to catch on has led to a slow start to his NFL career. Smith is already 27 years old—and with just three NFL games played, his age must be taken into consideration. 

Regardless, Smith has been impossible to ignore... and for good reason. At 6’2’’ and 220 pounds, Smith has an exceptional frame for the wide receiver position. Meanwhile, he’s already shown off the ability to catch the ball in traffic as well as get open over the middle of the field early at Steelers training camp.

With Smith, the biggest question comes down to whether he plays special teams. With a crowded group in front of him, he’s not going to stick around long if he can’t contribute in this area. 

Realistically, Smith’s best shot at sticking with the organization is going to come by means of the 17-man practice squad (16 players plus one international player). But stranger things have happened. 

We all remember a time when the great James Harrison bounced around practice squads before finally catching on with the Steelers as a 26-year-old. Harrison didn’t become a full-time starter until his age-29 season. 

It’s highly unreasonable to expect any sort of similar career trajectory from Brandon Smith. A spot as the final receiver on the Steelers’ roster still feels unlikely, despite his strong start at training camp. However, his performance has to at least have the coaching staff thinking twice about his future with the team.

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