Myles

Jack

With T.J. Watt sidelined, the Steelers will call up Jack, who was signed to the practice squad back in November. Jack unexpectedly retired in late August after signing with the Eagles in the offseason. The former second-round pick spent 2022 with the Steelers, where he totaled 103 tackles and three TFLs in 15 games. He appeared in just three games with season, picking up 17 tackles and one sack. While he used up all his practice squad elevations during the regular season, elevations reset for postseason, so the Steelers could have two practice squad players (Jack and S Eric Rowe) starting all the way through the AFC championship if they keep winning.

This appeared likely earlier this week but now appears to be official. Jack will remain on the practice squad as he “continues to work himself back into playing shape.” The former second-round pick unexpectedly retired in late August after signing with the Eagles in the offseason. He spent 2022 with the Steelers, where he totaled 103 tackles and three TFLs in 15 games. He could be available for Pittsburgh for the final few games of the season as they try to finish off their playoff push.

Rowe was released by the Panthers at the conclusion of training camp. The veteran safety appeared in 14 games for the Dolphins last season, earning a PFF coverage grade of 49.5 while totaling 56 tackles and two sacks. Rowe’s signing comes on the same day the Steelers also welcomed back linebacker Myles Jack.

Jack unexpectedly retired in late August after signing with the Eagles in the offseason. The former second-round pick spent 2022 with the Steelers, where he totaled 103 tackles and three TFLs in 15 games. A player familiar with the Steelers’ defense, Jack should have a chance to get acclimated quickly and contribute on Sunday’s once he’s activated to the 53-man roster.

Jack retired from the NFL prior to the season but is attempting a comeback, clearing waivers to make him a free agent this season. He and the Steelers have mutual interest in Jack joining the team’s practice squad. With Steelers LBs Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander suffering major injuries, a reunion with Jack would boost the defense. The 28-year-old spent has played for the Jaguars and Steelers, retiring after a short offseason stint with the Eagles in August.

A decorated college player who fell to the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jack never quite lived up to his hype but started for the better part of a decade, often as an every-down player. Still only 27 years old, Jack could change his mind and become part of the workout circuit.

The former second-round linebacker spent his 2022 season with the Steelers, playing on a two-year, $16 million deal. Pittsburgh moved on after just one season. Set aside the name value attached to Jack and he’s largely under-performed his lofty expectations recently, managing only 1.5 sacks over the previous four seasons and allowing opponents to catch 41 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns in his primary coverage in 2022. It is likely that Jack was added to provide a veteran presence to a linebacking corps short on experience.

Jack joined the Steelers on a two-year, $16 million deal last offseason, but is back on the market after one season. Despite racking up 100+ tackles for the third-straight season, Jack offered little upside against the run, and allowed opposing pass-catchers to post a 41-363-3 line against him. Jack has consistently struggled against the pass and has 1.5 sacks over the last four seasons. A recognizable name with second-round pedigree, Jack will undoubtedly get another shot elsewhere, but his struggles are well documented at this point.

Released by the Jaguars on Tuesday, Jack unsurprisingly did not have to wait long to find a new home. Jack is coming off a down season, but he is only 26 and has several years of quality play on his resume. Now with the Steelers, Jack will try to bolster a defense that was 27th against the run last season according to DVOA.

Jack led the Jaguars with 108 combined tackles last year, but that’s about all he contributed. He did not record a sack, pass defense, or forced fumble. Jack also added just three TFLs. Seven of his teammates logged more TFLs despite Jack playing nearly every snap on defense. Once viewed as an elite interior linebacker, Jack will now be searching for a short-term deal to reignite his value in the coming years. Still only 26 years old, he should have no problem finding a new team on the open market.