The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very active in negotiations as we get closer to the 2026 trade deadline. General Manager Omar Khan has been confirmed to be very interested in multiple high-profile players on the market, although it's unclear if he's willing to win a bidding war to secure any of them. Even if he doesn't catch the big fish, there will still be some additions most likely, as the general manager is also always checking out the bargain bin to see what upgrades he can make for practically nothing.
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Steelers GM Omar Khan on the phone.
At the same time, it's confirmed that the Steelers' coaching staff isn't exactly looking for a bunch of upgrades. Khan's best chance to get them to like the idea of a potential addition is most likely to bring in some of their former players, so there is a level of familiarity there to make the coaches more comfortable. There are always players like that available on the open market, as well as the trade block.
One of those players just became available as well. With the San Francisco 49ers officially acquiring DeForest Buckner in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, they had to make room on their roster by cutting an old friend of Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, as reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter.
"49ers announced they officially have acquired DL DeForest Buckner from the Colts in exchange for the team’s 2027 fourth-round pick," Schefter said. "In order to make room on the roster, the 49ers released CB Jack Jones."
Veteran cornerback Jack Jones has had a very up-and-down career up to this point. The soon-to-be 29-year-old had some of the best moments of his career while he was a member of the Las Vegas Raiders for a season and a half, when Graham was his defensive coordinator. Obviously, the 49ers were not too interested in keeping him around, but a reunion with his old coach could bring out the best in the fifth-year player.
After a successful rookie season with the New England Patriots, Jones dealt with suspension and injury, which eventually led to him getting waived and claimed by Las Vegas. In the seven games with the Raiders in 2023, he gave up just a 56.3% completion percentage and caught two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. He followed that up with a full, healthy season with three interceptions and 16 passes defended.
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Patrick Graham watches from the sideline during a Las Vegas Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Graham has been praised for taking the Raiders' defense that lacks talent and helping almost everyone play much better than expected. That includes Jones, who played 94% of defensive snaps during his 2024 campaign when he racked up 16 passes defended. If the defensive coordinator was able to help him reach his potential in Las Vegas, then it could end up working again in Pittsburgh as he closes in on his 29th birthday.
Steelers' Fit For Jones In The Defense
At this point, Jones would just come in and be a depth piece for Pittsburgh while getting some reps in obvious passing situations. He's a bit on the smaller side at 5'11", so he wouldn't be tested in press man coverage against these bigger receivers. However, if the Steelers want to get him more playing time, they may have him switch into more of a slot corner and/or a safety to try and maximize his talents.
Jones primarily played safety in his rookie year, so making him a more versatile piece would not be a bad option. He has that big-play ability that the Steelers have been missing on the back end. On top of that, Brandin Echols is reportedly dealing with an injury, so the former Raider can be the primary backup to Jalen Ramsey in the slot for now. Either way, Graham can definitely find a role for his old cornerback.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly signing Jones as a cheap, veteran option in the secondary? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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