Did the Steelers just cut a special teams ace only to bring another one back? After releasing James Pierre, the buzz is that Pittsburgh might be eyeing a reunion with veteran Miles Boykin. Mike Tomlin’s love for special teams means this isn’t just a random move. Boykin could be the familiar face they need to maintain their edge. What do you think of this potential Steel City comeback?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise renowned for its strategic emphasis on all three phases of the game, recently made a surprising roster move by cutting special teams ace James Pierre, a decision that has sparked speculation about an unexpected reunion to bolster their critical special teams unit.

Despite inconsistencies in his role as a cornerback, Pierre’s profound value as a gunner on the punt team was undeniable, making his release a perplexing yet calculated move by a coaching staff led by Mike Tomlin, who prioritizes field position and possession control.

Whispers now suggest that the Steelers might be planning to bring back a familiar face to fill the void left by Pierre, a strategy not uncommon for the organization which often hosts reunions with players who have previously contributed to the Steel City.

Veteran special teamer and wide receiver Miles Boykin, though not a name that typically garners headlines, spent the 2024 season on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad and was released by the Chicago Bears in 2025, yet at only 28 years old, he presents a viable and immediate option to step into Pierre’s shoes.

Boykin’s potential return aligns with the Steelers’ pragmatic approach to roster building, where reliable, known commodities often take precedence over high-profile acquisitions, ensuring stability and consistency, particularly for the crucial punting unit.

Furthermore, with only five wide receivers currently on the roster, Boykin offers the flexibility of serving as a sixth receiver if needed, while primarily focusing on his special teams responsibilities, a compelling prospect that connects the strategic dots for General Manager Omar Khan.

In a fiercely competitive AFC, mastering field position through superior special teams play is an often-underestimated factor, and the performance of gunners on the outside, alongside the punter, becomes paramount for a Steelers team aiming to maximize every snap.

Pierre’s release, particularly given his reliability in a specialized role, strongly implies that the Steelers had a contingency plan in place, and with General Manager Omar Khan’s aggressive, Super Bowl-driven philosophy, a call to Boykin’s camp appears increasingly feasible to secure this vital special teams reinforcement.