Ex-Steelers WR Breaks Silence After Release And Claims Pittsburgh Denied Him A Fair Shot

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver group has been a major point of concern in the 2024 offseason. This anxiety began after the team traded star wide receiver Diontae Johnson early in the offseason, leaving a significant gap behind George Pickens. Fans and analysts alike worry that the Steelers lack a reliable second wide receiver to complement Pickens.

For any wide receiver looking for an opportunity, the Steelers seemed like an ideal team. Despite having several speedy receivers, the Steelers decided to keep just five on their 53-man roster: Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller. This left a few players vying for a spot without a chance to make the final cut.

One such player was Jacob Copeland, who went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and spent time on various NFL teams' practice squads, including two stints with the Steelers that year. After signing a one-year deal with Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, Copeland was released on August 26. He shared his highlights on social media and responded to a fan's question about why he was let go. Copeland expressed his belief that the Steelers did not give him a fair opportunity.

For players like Copeland, the offseason and preseason games are critical opportunities to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the roster. These periods offer a chance for hopefuls to make a lasting impression on coaches and secure their place on the team. Unfortunately for Copeland, he feels that he didn’t get the opportunity he needed during the preseason to truly demonstrate his abilities, leading him to believe he didn’t receive a fair chance with the Steelers.

The NFL is a highly competitive league where the margins between making the roster and being relegated to the practice squad are razor-thin. Every player contending for a roster spot is vying for a limited number of positions, and the competition is fierce. Despite Copeland's efforts and potential, the level of talent in the league makes it challenging for any player to stand out consistently.

It’s particularly unfortunate for Copeland, who has faced a challenging start to his NFL career. Despite the setbacks, his passion for the game remains evident, and he continues to seek opportunities to prove himself. There remains a possibility that the Steelers could reach out to him in the future, perhaps offering a spot on their practice squad as he continues to pursue his NFL dream.

Dez Fitzpatrick, Quez Watkins and Jaray Jenkins were also vying for a spot on the roster, and each had varying levels of success during the offseason. Watkins struggled to make a strong impression in the preseason, while Fitzpatrick showed promise but ultimately did not make the 53-man roster. Both of these players, along with Jenkins, had more opportunities to showcase their skills compared to Copeland.

Steelers' Jacob Copeland Didn't Do Enough In Practice To Earn More Chances In The Preseason

Although Copeland feels he was not given a fair chance, this is a common challenge in the NFL. He primarily practiced with the third-team wide receivers and, despite a few standout moments, did not do enough to convince the Steelers to give him more chances during the preseason. 

The competitive nature of the league often means that even talented players may not get the opportunities they need to prove themselves fully.

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