Steelers Lose Four Players
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will watch four players hit the open market now that their season is officially over. With their contracts expiring, their veterans on the practice squad will become free agents and are able to sign with any team.
Inside linebackers Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith, safety Eric Rowe and punter Brad Wing were among a group of veteran practice squad members who had their contracts expire. If Pittsburgh chooses to bring them back, they'll need to re-sign them as free agents.
Rowe and Jack played a pivotal role for the Steelers in the final stretch of the season, filling in for several injured players and helping the team turn a three-game winning streak into a playoff birth.
Rowe recorded 29 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, two passes defended and an interception during his three starts in the regular season. Jack recorded 17 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and two QB hits during his three-game stretch.
After their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Jack said he hopes to return to the Steelers next season, but that the decision was up to Pittsburgh.
"It's definitely been fun playing ball again," Jack said. "Tonight was definitely rough, but it's definitely been fun. I realized how much I missed it. It put the love back into me."
Wing, 32, returned to Pittsburgh after a five-year hiatus to punt in two games, averaging 45 yards per punt.
Smith signed at the end of the regular season to add veteran depth to the Steelers' inside linebacker room but was never elevated from the practice squad for a game.
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