Steelers May Be Eyeing Reunion That No One Saw Coming After Cutting Special Teams Ace James Pierre

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been the most consistent team in recent years. All three phases of the game have had their ups and downs, but there's no doubt that Head Coach Mike Tomlin heavily values special teams play, which is something not all organizations emphasize. During the Tomlin era, it's been clear that the main goal is to control possession of the football, as well as the field position battle, as each game unfolds. This is why is was a bit surprising that the franchise decided to release James Pierre on Tuesday, as he operated as a phenomenal gunner on the punt team.

There could be plans in place for the Steelers to bring Pierre back, but he is a vested veteran, so is now free to sign with any of the other 31 teams throughout the league. Fans may not have been too upset with Pierre's release because of his inconsistencies as a cornerback, but it's impossible to understate what kind of value he brought to the special teams unit.

If Pittsburgh decides against bringing Pierre back into the fold, it wouldn't come as a shock if the front office ends up signing a familiar option to help out on the punt team. Tomlin and co. love being comfortable with players that are coming to play in the Steel City, which is why the team often has reunions that take place throughout the course of any given season. That could be in the cards very soon.

Veteran special teamer and wide receiver Miles Boykin is not going to jump off on paper to anyone, but he played a crucial role for the Steelers during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He spent all of 2024 on the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks, and didn't get the opportunity to make the Chicago Bears 53-man roster in 2025. While it may seem as if Boykin has been around a while, he is only 28 years old and could serve as Pierre's replacement immediately.

Sometimes the best and most reasonable signings aren't the sexy ones, and Boykin coming back to play in the Steel City would qualify as such. The Steelers made an interesting move to cut Cameron Johnston and keep Corliss Waitman, which is why consistencies on the punting unit will be crucial. Boykin provides a sense of familiarity and the team knows he can get the job done.

Additionally, as of now, Pittsburgh only ended up keeping five wide receivers on the roster. If the goal is to have a sixth that is capable if his number is called upon, Boykin can act as such while primarily focusing on special teams. The dots do connect if General Manager Omar Khan is interested in bringing back a player that many would have liked to see return in 2024.

In an AFC that is packed with talented offenses, flipping the field when punting is an underrated part of each game. The main job relies on the punter, but the gunners on the outsides are almost just as important. With Pierre gone, there is a window for Boykin to step in.

Steelers Have To Consistently Win All 3 Phases

Pittsburgh isn't necessarily the most talented team in the AFC, or even the AFC North division. This is why it will be pivotal to win as many snaps as possible, even when it's just the special teams unit on the field. Releasing Pierre, who was very reliable in one specific area, is not something the team would do without a plan. After Boykin's release, it's feasible to assume Khan could be calling the wide receivers' camp.

Do you think that Boykin would be a good addition for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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