Steelers release Tevin Jones, add Amara Darboh to the 53-man roster

The Steelers are hoping to add assistance to the wide receiver position with former Seahawks receiver, Amara Darboh. Here’s what you should know.

After a weak offensive output that resulted in just 10 points scored on their own turf during a primetime game, Pittsburgh didn’t waste any time trying to look for answers on offense. The Steelers announced Monday that they have added former Seahawks receiver Amara Darboh.

To make room for Darboh, Pittsburgh has released Tevin Jones. Jones was a practice squad receiver for the Steelers over the past few seasons. He didn’t see his first NFL action until injuries occurred this season. However, Jones proved to be ineffective when called upon – catching just 4 of 10 targets since being signed back in Week 11.

Darboh, a former Michigan alumni, was known for his solid frame (6’2”, 215 pounds) and physical presence back in college. Over his final two seasons with the Spartans, he collected 115 receptions, 1,589 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.

Despite being a former 3rd round pick of the Seahawks from the 2017 draft class, Darboh was already looking for a new home when the Steelers came knocking. Darboh’s recent promotion from the practice squad means he will be suiting up for the Steelers next week as they face the Jets, and it will be the first time he has put on his pads for a game since his rookie season.

While much of their issue lies with the quarterback position, the Steeles have made it clear that they aren’t afraid to shake things up on offense if they feel that a change is needed. Deon Cain was signed back in Week 12 as Pittsburgh looked for help outside of the organization. In his first game with the Steelers, Cain reeled in his lone target for a 35-yard reception against the Bengals.

Surprisingly, Tevin Jones had been playing a respectable number of snaps for the Steelers with JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined. If the Pro Bowl receiver can’t go again this week, it will be interesting to see which receiver will get the most opportunities alongside James Washington and Diontae Johnson on Sunday.

Darboh’s signing certainly isn’t going to change the way the Steelers operate, and he is hardly the solution to all of their problems. Still, with a depleted and unproven receiving core, Darboh may have a chance to make his presence felt sooner rather than later.