The Steelers made a surprising move Wednesday morning by releasing backup outside linebacker Jamir Jones, who had played in 20 games for the team over the past two seasons.
The team announced the roster move.
We have released LB Jamir Jones.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 12, 2023
Jones had just signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in late February, so cutting him at this stage caught some by surprise.
Jones went undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2020 and spent that season on the practice squad with the Houston Texans. The Steelers signed him the next season, and he made the team after playing well in the preseason.
Jones played three games for the Steelers in 2021, including one start, and recorded three tackles. He was waived on Sept. 28, 2021, played 10 games with the Los Angeles Rams and then two games with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Steelers claimed Jones off waivers, and he spent the entire 2022 season with the team. He appeared in all 17 games, recording 10 tackles while playing only 86 snaps on defense. He did get a lot of playing time on special teams.
One of the Steelers' most pressing needs is edge rusher, which they are expected to address in the upcoming NFL Draft. Jones never quite made much of an impact rushing as a backup outside linebacker, so the team likely will be looking to add another player through the draft or free agency to help fill that need more effectively.
