The Pittsburgh Steelers made the move most fans were waiting for last week, releasing 2014 third round pick Dri Archer to make room for Jacoby Jones.
Archer went unclaimed on waivers and, according to Pro Football Talk, has passed up the chance to join the Steelers and nine other team’s practice squads.
Per PFT:
“Per a league source, Archer has passed on 10 offers to join practice squads, including an offer from the Steelers. Archer, a third-round pick in 2014, instead plans to wait and see whether any opportunities arise to join a 53-man roster.”
It is a little surprising to see the Steelers offer a spot back to Archer. It would have seemingly made more sense that if the team wanted to part ways with him now, they’d wash their hands of him completely instead of letting him hang around. Obviously, Archer believes he can snag a spot on someone’s roster before the season is over.
Though it was understandable for the team to search for a spark on their kick return unit, perhaps there will be some buyer’s remorse on the decision to add Jones. Jones, 31, was having a terrible season with the San Diego Chargers and statistically, was severely outproduced by Archer. Sunday, Jones averaged just over 20 yards per kick return and gained only two yards on punts. He also let a ball bounce inside the ten instead of fair catching it, costing the Steelers five yards in field position.
As Dave Bryan wrote about earlier today, the New England Patriots would be a logical suitor for Archer. I remember Bill Belichick bringing in Roy Finch as a UDFA out of Oklahoma. He, like Archer, was a tiny scatback with big return ability. Perhaps The Hoodie will try again with Archer.
