The Pittsburgh Steelers will see four players reach the open market now that the season is officially finished. With their contracts expiring, the veterans on the practice squad will become free agents and can sign with any team.
Inside linebackers Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith, safety Eric Rowe and punter Brad Wing were among the veteran practice squad veterans whose contracts expired. If Pittsburgh decides to bring them back, they will have to re-sign as free agents.
Rowe and Jack played critical roles for the Steelers in the last stretch of the season, filling in for many injured players and helping the team turn a three-game winning streak into a playoff berth.
During his three regular-season starts, Rowe recorded 29 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, two passes deflected, and an interception. Jack had 17 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits over three games.
Following their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Jack stated that he hopes to return to the Steelers next season, but that the decision is up to Pittsburgh.
“It’s definitely been fun playing ball again,” Jack added. “Tonight was absolutely tough, but it’s also been enjoyable. I realised how much I’d missed it. It rekindled my affection.
Wing, 32, returned to Pittsburgh after a five-year absence to punt in two games, averaging 45 yards per attempt.
Smith joined towards the close of the regular season to offer veteran depth to the Steelers’ inside linebacker corps, but he was never promoted from the practice squad for a game.
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