It was a bit of a head-scratcher when the Pittsburgh Steelers released linebacker and special teams contributor, Jamir Jones on Wednesday. He had recently re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent, but the organization made the move to let him go which immediately led people to believe the announcement of Bud Dupree coming back to play in the black and gold was imminent. As of Friday morning, the front office hasn't finalized anything with Dupree, but is reportedly bringing in a special teams ace to take Jones' place in that part of the game.
Steelers special teams coordinator, Danny Smith roams the field in Pittsburgh, PA prior to a 2021 regular season matchup. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Signing Former Seattle Seahawks Linebacker, Tanner Muse
Muse is making the move across the country, according to NFL Network insider, Tom Pelissero. While details have not been released on the terms of the contract, it appears Pittsburgh is making another addition in free agency.
Standout special teamer and LB Tanner Muse plans to sign with the #Steelers, per source. A onetime third-round pick by the #Raiders, Muse played in every game last season for Seattle.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 14, 2023
While the linebacker only played 80 defensive snaps for Seattle in 2022, he played the second highest percentage of special teams snaps as he was on the field nearly 70% of the time. After releasing Jones, who played over 57% of special teams snaps for the Steelers in 2022, Muse is a nice addition who will bolster special teams coordinator, Danny Smith's group for 2023.
New York Jets quarterback, Mike White (#5) throws under pressure from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tanner Muse (#58) during a game on Jan. 1 in Seattle. | Photo Credit: AP Photo / Godofredo A. Vásquez
Muse was originally drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders (now based out of Las Vegas), but he never played a snap in the black and silver. He didn't really make a name for himself before 2022, when he played 325 total snaps for the Seahawks special teams unit.
While he played the 80 defensive snaps in 2022, he had none in his first year with Seattle back in 2021. This shouldn't affect the Steelers' plans to bring in more players to the linebackers' room. Muse will be a solid addition to help with kick and punt coverage. Kick coverage has been a common flaw for the team over the last few seasons.
The signing is likely the final hint that former Steelers' fullback and special teams leader, Derek Watt won't be back with the team in 2023. Watt, who has yet to sign a contract anywhere, played over 66% of special teams snaps for Pittsburgh in 2022, which was tied for the most on the team along with Miles Killebrew.
Steelers former fullback, Derek Watt (#44) stands in the end zone during warmups prior to a 2021 regular season matchup. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
General manager, Omar Khan has been addressing needs all over the field throughout the offseason and the trend continues with Muse. It's not a sexy signing, but after Watt's probable departure and the release of Jones, bringing in Muse is an under-the-radar move that will benefit the team in 2023. They may even see something in him on the defensive side of the ball and he could contribute with that group as well.
Do you like the Steelers' reported signing of Muse? Let us know in the comments below!
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