Remember Miles Boykin? The Steelers might be calling him up! After James Pierre’s departure, Pittsburgh needs a special teams ace, and a reunion with Boykin could be exactly what Omar Khan has in mind. Could this unheralded move be the key to their Super Bowl aspirations?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering an unexpected reunion, potentially bringing back veteran wide receiver Miles Boykin to bolster their special teams unit, a move driven by recent roster adjustments and the pursuit of Super Bowl contention under General Manager Omar Khan.
The recent decision by the Pittsburgh Steelers to release cornerback James Pierre has created a void, particularly within the crucial special teams department. While Pierre’s inconsistencies in the secondary may not have garnered widespread fan disappointment, his invaluable contributions to the punt and kick coverage units were undeniable.
This scenario opens the door for a familiar face, Miles Boykin, who presents a viable and experienced option for the Steelers. Despite spending the 2024 season on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad and not making the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster in 2025, the 28-year-old wideout possesses the specific skill set and prior experience with the team that Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff often favor.
The potential return of Miles Boykin aligns perfectly with the Steelers’ philosophy of valuing consistent, reliable contributors, especially in unglamorous yet critical areas like special teams. In an NFL landscape increasingly defined by tight margins, securing advantages in every facet of the game, including field position through superior special teams play, becomes paramount.
Beyond his special teams prowess, Boykin could also provide a practical depth solution at wide receiver. With the Pittsburgh Steelers currently carrying only five wideouts on their active roster, Boykin could serve as a dependable sixth option, capable of stepping in if injuries or performance issues arise, while primarily excelling in his special teams role.
This calculated move exemplifies General Manager Omar Khan’s aggressive and pragmatic approach to roster construction. Khan has made it abundantly clear that his singular focus is on building a Super Bowl-caliber team, and often, the most effective signings are not the high-profile ones but rather those that address specific needs with proven, albeit unsung, talent.
In a highly competitive AFC conference, where offenses are often explosive, the ability to “flip the field” through effective punting and strong coverage from gunners, a role James Pierre once filled effectively, is an underrated aspect of game management. Miles Boykin has the opportunity to step into this critical role, ensuring continuity and reliability.
Therefore, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ consideration of bringing back Miles Boykin is not merely a nostalgic gesture but a strategic decision aimed at optimizing their roster for the challenges of the upcoming season. It underscores the belief that every snap, especially on special teams, contributes to the ultimate goal of achieving championship success under Omar Khan’s leadership.