Steelers' Strange Release Of Jamir Jones Is Less Surprising With Details Of His Arrest

The Pittsburgh Steelers released outside linebacker Jamir Jones in early April of 2023 just two months after re-signing him to a one-year contract as an exclusive-rights free agent. Now news that Jones has been arrested has hit the media and it all seems to make sense. 

Jones was an undrafted free agent originally signed by the Houston Texans in 2020, but then waived. The Steelers had some interest in Jones after seeing him play at Notre Dame. He appeared to have a strong preseason, but was cut by the Steelers in September of 2021. He did a short stint with the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to Pittsburgh for 2022. 

He played in all 17 games last season primarily on special teams, playing 57% of their snaps. He had a minor role in the defense, playing only 8% of snaps. He had 20 tackles and a pass deflection. Many expected him to be a larger contributor while TJ Watt was out with a pectoral injury, but that role fell primarily to Malik Reed. 

The Steelers Release Jones Ahead Of His Arrest

Most analysts were dumbfounded by Jones' release. It is unusual for a team to sign a player to a contract and then almost immediately let him go without him being given the chance to compete for a spot. Usually, a team would wait to release a player during training camp unless there was an extenuating circumstance. 

The Steelers needed depth at the outside linebacker spot, so that made the release even more confusing. 

Now it all makes sense. The news is reporting that Jones was arrested and charged with one count of battery on April 12, 2023. 

According to the information available, Jones was arrested at his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The battery charge is a misdemeanor and Jones was released the following day on bond. 

The domestic violence charge was apparently leveled by a woman who has been in a relationship with Jones for a few years. She is unwilling to participate in the legal process of prosecution. She also agreed to waive a protective order that was a requirement of his release on bail. 

While there is no information available on upcoming hearings at this time, Jones reportedly pled not guilty and requested a trial. 

The NFL has been attempting to get tougher on domestic violence in the wake of several players being charged in the past few years. It is possible that Jones could face a six-game suspension for violating their personal conduct and domestic violence policy. 

Neither Jones nor his alleged victim has released a statement. 

What do you think about the timing of the Steelers' release of Jones? Were you glad when they re-signed him? Were you surprised when he was cut? Click to comment below. 

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