We now know why outside linebacker Jamir Jones was surprisingly released by the Pittsburgh Steelers last month. According to Broward County Records, Jones was arrested in April on battery charges in a domestic violence case.
Records show Jones was arrested on April 11th. He pled not guilty and was released on bail.
The Steelers released Jones the following day.
The timing of the news came across as odd. Jones had signed his one-year exclusive rights tag in February and was expected to compete for a backup outside linebacker job. Jones had been functioning as a #4 outside linebacker, rotating in and seeing a handful of snaps on defense, while acting as one of the team’s core special teamers. In 2022, Jones recorded 10 tackles, six of theme solo, and had one pass deflection. He finished the year with 86 defensive snaps and 251 on special teams.
Jones had two stints with the Steelers. Originally signed in April 2021 after a strong showing at a Notre Dame Pro Day, Jones emerged in training camp and beat out sixth-round pick Quincy Roche for one of the team’s final roster spots. After spending the first three weeks with the team, he was waived and then claimed by the Los Angeles Rams before ending his season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pittsburgh brought him back via a waiver claim after the Jaguars released him in August of last year.
According to court records, there was an April 20th court date. It’s not clear when his next hearing will be. But it certainly does explain the odd nature of his release. And Jones won’t be thinking about playing football for quite some time. Even if he does try to return, it’s certainly possible the NFL steps in with punishment given its strict rules against domestic violence.
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