4 wide receiver options for Steelers if Donte Moncrief gets released

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys prepares to take on the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys prepares to take on the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 09: Tevin Jones #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown in the second half during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on August 9, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 09: Tevin Jones #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown in the second half during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on August 9, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Tevin Jones: A speedy deep threat ready-at-hand

The Steelers already have a blazing fast receiver capable of playing the “X” and “Z” positions on its practice squad, Tevin Jones.

Like Rogers, Jones is familiar with the offense, can be signed within the team’s cap space, and can be added without affecting the compensatory balance. Moreover, Jones has practiced extensively with Rudolf and Hodges, an important consideration when running routes and catching passes from a 2nd year QB or a rookie.

The potential downside to swapping Moncrief with Jones is whether Jones is talented enough to contribute anything close to the production that Moncrief was hoped to contribute, or would signing Jones simply be adding a borderline talent to fill a roster spot?

Only by signing Jones and playing him can the Steelers answer that question. At any rate, Tevin Jones would have to be exceptionally unlucky, unskilled, or become quickly injured to not produce as well or better than has Donte Moncrief as a Steeler up till now.