Could Steelers Entertain Possible Reunion With Speedy Kick Returner After His Release

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Gunner Olszewski last offseason to be their primary returner. Things didn't exactly work out, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin turned to Steven Sims to be that guy after Olszewski's rough start to the season. Sims produced much better results, but unfortunately, the two sides split up this offseason. He returned to his hometown, as he signed with the Houston Texans.

Well, just like that, Sims is a free agent again. Ahead of final 53-man roster cuts on Tuesday, the Texans have waived the returner according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Is this something the Steelers should/could entertain? Well, it should be. As aforementioned, Sims proved in 2022 that he was an upgrade to Olszewski. The latter could return to his former self, as he was an AP All-Pro returner back in 2020 with the New England Patriots.

Neither of them provide much on the offensive side of the ball at wide receiver. Due to his poor 2022 campaign and a $2.6 million cap hit for the 2023 season, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Olszewski would be cut. Well, surprisingly, he had a solid summer. In fact, he earned rave reviews from quarterback Kenny Pickett in his consistency. None of the back-end wideouts on Pittsburgh's roster were able to consistently establish themselves at training camp. That goes for Hakeem Butler and Cody White, who have each been cut already. Butler specifically struggled with drops throughout his short stint in Pittsburgh, which was his ultimate downfall. That, along with his solid performances, boded well for Olszewski's chances of making the 53-man roster. As a result, many have predicted that he will indeed make the Week 1 roster. 

As of now, Calvin Austin III is listed as both the kick and punt returner. He was very impressive there in the preseason, as he had five punt returns for 107 yards. Still, there may come a point where the Steelers don't want to risk getting him injured on special teams. While he's explosive there, his speed on offense is more valuable. That was on full display in the opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he had a nice 67-yard touchdown.

Do Steelers Still Need Another Returner?

Jordan Byrd, who was an electric returner in college at San Diego State, didn't make much noise in Latrobe. He's currently listed as the third-string returner behind Austin and Olszewski and likely will be released on Tuesday. He could be an option in case of an emergency on the practice squad. The Texans have a plethora of young wideouts that they probably prefer to give roster spots to. Sims isn't the only veteran that they cut ties with, as Christian Kirksey, Chase Winovich, and Desmond King were a few more names that they cut loose. 

With a need for at nickel cornerback still, King is another name from the Texans that the Steelers could be interested in. It's a common theme in Houston, as they want to get younger. That came at the expense of Sims, as he will now try and search for a new home once again. Could Pittsburgh consider bringing him back? Well, they thought he was an upgrade over Olszewski just eight months ago. 

In addition to averaging 25.5 yards per kick return in 2022, Sims also hauled in 14 catches compared to Olszewski's five. Do you think the team should entertain a reunion with Sims? Is Olszewski deserving of making the 53-man roster or should they sign another wideout/returner? Should the team avoid putting Austin back there to ensure he's healthy for offense? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!

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