When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted edge rusher, Quincy Roche in the sixth round in 2021, fans fell in love with his potential after his preseason play last August. However, the organization decided to let him go after final roster cuts and he was picked up by the New York Giants. Jamir Jones seemed to have made the roster over him last season and is now currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. With that being said, Roche could be in the same position next week as he was a year ago. According to Pro Football Focus, a league source believes that Roche may be on the chopping block again this year.
UPDATE - Roche was released by the Giants today. Steelers can put in a claim for him or try to get him back if he clears waivers.
The #Giants are releasing LB Quincy Roche, source said. He contributed last year after being claimed off waivers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2022
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Roche isn't the first former Steelers defensive player to be claimed by the Giants in recent years. Tuzar Skipper was waived by the Steelers back in 2019 and ended up with the Giants shortly after, playing six games that season.
While the second-year edge rusher saw playing time in 2021, that may not be enough to solidify his spot on the roster after the Giants organization has seen plenty of turnover since last season. PFF and the league source believe that is the root of his potential, surprise release next week during roster cutdowns.
"He played over 400 snaps and started three games for the Giants last season as a rookie, but it’s a new regime in New York, and Roche is seeing most of his preseason action in the fourth quarter," Pro Football Focus’s Doug Kyed said.
Roche played in 14 games for the Giants in 2021 and had 38 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Prior to being picked up by the Giants, he had five tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Steelers during the preseason. Similar to this season, the team needs depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. A year ago, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote that he loved the value of taking the former Miami Hurricane edge rusher in the sixth round.
"Roche is a skilled pass-rusher, which is what the Steelers need behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Roche is ranked as ESPN's No. 173 prospect, so this is good value here," Fowler said.
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Last year, Roche was quoted talking about the long wait to be drafted and what it meant to be taken in the later rounds. He is not afraid to put his head down and work in order to earn his spot.
"It's a huge weight lifted off your shoulder. It's a blessing too. A dream come true," Roche said. "A great feeling. Especially for me, being a day three guy. It's a long three days. I tried to ignore calls unless they were coming from a team. It was a game of sitting and waiting and seeing what happens. It's a huge blessing and I am ready to get to work."His impressive preseason play in 2021 didn't warrant a roster spot for the Steelers a year ago, but when and if the Giants decide to move on from Roche next week, it is certainly an option worth looking into especially after the surprise release of Gerard Avery on Tuesday.
Fowler wasn't kidding when he mentioned Roche's ability to get after the quarterback. He has 30.5 sacks in college and 54 tackles for loss. The organization had depth with Melvin Ingram III when Roche was released, but ended up trading him away. This could end up being a match made in heaven if PFF's source is correct and the Giants move in a different direction away from the edge rusher.
Would you welcome Roche back to the Steelers organization with open arms? Let us know in the comments below!
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