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Steelers signing: Jarrod West

By Justin Roem

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The Steelers parted ways with quarterback Tajh Boyd today. Taking the vacated roster spot, is undrafted free agent Jarrod West. Boyd had struggled to this point of training camp and had yet to see any action in the preseason.

West played college football for the Syracuse Orange. As a sophomore, West was a reliable third option for Ryan Nassib, now with the New York Giants. Once Nassib left for the NFL, however, West was left without any reliability at the quarterback position. He assumed the number one role in the Orange offense in 2013, but inconsistent quarterback play and injury limited him to a mediocre season.

In 2014, West put up more favorable numbers, but again lacked the level of quarterback play that he experienced early in his career. Syracuse quarterbacks threw seventeen interceptions against six touchdowns. The team’s rushing attempt total was more than double the amount of pass completions.

West hasn’t stuck on a team this far into the offseason, so his chances with the Steelers are limited. However, at Syracuse the 6’2″, 203 pound receiver showed the ability to high point the ball and come down with contested passes. His numbers could have been much more impressive in a system and with a quarterback that suited his skill set.

The Steelers have plenty of decisions to make when it comes to the wide receiver position. The top four receivers going into 2015 should be Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, and Darrius Heyward-Bey. The team spent a third round pick on Sammie Coates so he’s likely the fifth guy, but not a lock to get a helmet on Sundays.

In reality, West is in line with C.J. Goodwin, Shakim Phillips, Kenzel Doe, David Nelson, and the versatile Tyler Murphy to get a shot at the practice squad. There is a chance that West has more to offer than he got the chance to show at Syracuse, but the Steelers aren’t lacking any young projects at wide receiver.

In any case, it will be interesting to see what the Steelers do with West for the remainder of the preseason.

Next: Will Allen and the cover-2

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