Could The Release Of Jamir Jones Signify The Return Of Bud Dupree To The Steelers In 2023?

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially released OLB, Jamir Jones, on Wednesday morning. The move comes at a bit of a surprise as Jones signed his exclusive rights tag this offseason to return to Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, the team's need for depth at pass rusher is even more in question after the release. While Jones was primarily used on special teams during his time with the Steelers, the question of whether or not this move means anything for the return of former first-round pick Bud Dupree needs to be asked. Interestingly enough, Jones wore #48, the same number Dupree wore when he was a member of the Steelers. 

Is This The End Of A Long Ride For Jamir Jones And The Pittsburgh Steelers?

Jamir Jones has had quite the roller-coaster of experiences with being on the Steelers' roster. An undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame in 2020, Jones initially signed with the Houston Texans in July of 2020. It was not until the following year at the Notre Dame Pro Day in 2021 that he caught the eye of Omar Khan and the Steelers' front office. He signed with the team in April of 2021 and made the 53-man roster at the beginning of the 2021 season. Unfortunately, his time on the Steelers was short-lived, as he was released by the team just a few weeks in to the regular season in favor of fellow OLB, Derrek Tuszka. 

He spent the remainder of the 2021 season on the roster of both the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. As fate would have it, he would be picked up for a second stint in Pittsburgh in September of 2022 after being released by the Jaguars. Ironically enough, his roster spot was made possible by the release of Tuszka, the same player who he was released for the previous season.

Could Bud Dupree Be On His Way Back To Pittsburgh?

After visiting with the Steelers in late March, many believed a reunion between Dupree and the Steelers would be imminent. However, there have been no reports of the team offering him a contract and he yet has to sign anywhere else. While Dupree eventually finding his way back to Pittsburgh remains a strong possibility, the Steelers may ultimately elect to wait until the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft to see if they still need depth at edge rusher. 

However, with the release of Jones, does this mean Omar Khan feels comfortable enough with inking a deal with the former first-rounder before the NFL Draft even starts? Certainly possible, but not a certainty. The Steelers still have plenty of cap space, even before the release of Jones, to sign Dupree. 

Additionally, it was unlikely that Jones was going to be the team's primary backup to TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith in 2023, meaning that a simple roster swap of Jones for Dupree is not likely. Either way, this move certainly does not hurt the chances of Dupree playing for the black and gold next season. There is undoubtedly a desire between both sides to work a deal out, but it may not happen for another few weeks. Remain patient, Steeler Nation. Let Omar cook. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How do you feel about the Steelers releasing a valuable edge rusher in Jones? Do you think it is only a matter of time before Dupree comes home to Pittsburgh? Which edge rushers do you have your eye on for the 2023 NFL Draft? Leave a comment! 

#SteelerNation