Steelers Release of Myles Jack Nearly Sent Him Back To College Until He Landed A Big Spot In The NFC

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of turnover at many positions during the 2023 offseason. One of the position groups that was effected the most were the inside linebackers. The Steelers front office has brought in three free agents that all expect to get valuable playing time, and they chose not to re-sign both Robert Spillane and Devin Bush, while cutting Myles Jack. All three of them saw a lot of playing time for the Steelers during the 2022 season, but the team decided their play was not up to par and that they should all go their separate ways. This led to Jack almost attending a trade school after it seemed his NFL career was over.

It was reported by The Athletic's Zach Berman that after Jack was cut by the Steelers in March of 2023, and other teams didn't start calling shortly after, Jack began considering attending a trade school to become an electrician or a plumber. Jack went unsigned until August after training camp had already began, when the Philadelphia Eagles decided to give him a contract and an opportunity to make their team. 

Jack is already taking first team reps in Philadelphia due to some injuries to their linebacking corps, but it will still be a battle to make the final 53-man roster. The Eagles have been playing some defense in a 5-1-5 formation, which only calls for one inside linebacker. In addition to signing Jack, they also signed another inside linebacker in Zach Cunningham on the same day. Jack will be fleshing it out with Cunningham, Nakobe Dean, and the other linebackers on the roster for a spot with significant playing time. 

Jack signed a four-year, $57 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to the 2019 NFL season, however he was released by the team after three seasons of the contract. The Steelers then signed him during the 2022 free agency period to a two-year, $16 million deal, but he was released after one season. In total, Jack's career earnings are estimated to be around $42 million prior to signing his deal with Philadelphia and not including any off-the-field deals he might have. So why would he consider going to trade school? 

"I like to work. I couldn't sit at home. I've been blessed to make a lot money. I could retire and sit at the house. But I want to be innovative. If a zombie apocalypse came, I want to be able to build something."

Hopefully Jack doesn't need to worry about any types of apocalypses any time soon, but it is good to see he has the motivation and desire to find the career that's right for him once his playing days are over. He thought that was this offseason, but Philadelphia called at the last minute. I will surely be rooting for him to have a successful remainder of his NFL career, and then when he decides to hang up his cleats, maybe he will pick up a plunger or learn a different trade. 

Jack's Time With The Steelers

Jack started 13 games with Pittsburgh during the 2022 season recording 104 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Overall, his performance with the Steelers was underwhelming and met with some criticism from fans and the media. Combined with the disappointment of Bush after he was selected 10th overall in 2019, and Spillane being on the field when he really shouldn't have been, the Steelers inside linebacker room in 2022 was a mess. 

Fans are certainly excited about the new and improved inside linebacker group. Omar Khan and the rest of the front office made it a priority during the 2023 offseason, and even brought in competition for everyone competing for a spot at inside linebacker. The team signed both Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts during free agency, as well as Kwon Alexander, who was signed most recently. 

What do you think of Jack almost going to trade school, Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below or chat with me about it on Twitter X! 

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