Steelers news: Pittsburgh releases Jamir Jones, pre-draft visit addition, and more
By Tommy Jaggi
As we prepare for what promises to be an exciting 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been very busy in the front office. With all NFL pro days behind us, Andy Weidl is no doubt scrambling to put the finishing touches on his draft board while Omar Khan is rounding out the team's pre-draft visit list.
Recently, a roster shake-up doesn't come without added speculation of future moves. Here's the latest Steelers news you need to know.
Steelers news:
On Wednesday, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have released edge defender, Jamir Jones. The journeyman spent some time in Pittsburgh early in the 2021 season before making his way back to the Steel City, but his journey with the Steelers ends here.
The Steelers have released Jamir Jones. By the end of last season he surpassed Mailk Reed as the No. 3 OLB. Have to think another move is coming.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) April 12, 2023
Jones' roster spot looked somewhat safe after Malik Reed signed with the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Jones was set to make $940k in 2023, according to Over the Cap. Some are already speculating that this could be to make room for Bud Dupree on the roster, while others think the team is simply dumping an unneeded contract prior to the NFL Draft.
More Steelers news:
In other Steelers news, Pittsburgh used their second pre-draft visit on a quarterback this week -- bringing in BYU Jaren Hall. Hall is projected to be a day-three pick, and some speculate that the front office could draft a quarterback late to potentially fill the QB3 role with Mason Rudolph no longer under contract.
Steelers draft visitors today WR Jayden Reed from Mich State, QB Jaren Hall of BYU and S Daniel Scott of Cal
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) April 12, 2023
Hall joins Houston's Clayton Tune as the only other quarterback the Steelers brought in for a pre-draft visit this year. With this meeting, Pittsburgh has used up 27 of its 30 total visits during the pre-draft process. It's unclear if the team plans to add any more visitors prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFL news:
The latest first-round mock draft from Will Brinson of CBS Sports has a very interesting scenario playing out. In a shocking turn of events, he has the Carolina Panthers using the first overall pick on Kentucky QB, Will Levis. Meanwhile, Brinson has WR Jordan Addison going 9th overall to the Chicago Bears and CB Christian Gonzalez going just two picks before the Steelers are on the clock.
Next. Steelers mock draft: Early selections reflect pre-draft interests. dark
At pick 17, he has Pittsburgh going a very familiar route with Joey Porter Jr. Interestingly though, Brinson has Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. falling to pick 22 and Georgia OT Broderick Jones falling to pick 24. The Steelers clearly have an interest in Porter, but passing on both offensive tackles would be very difficult to do.