The Pittsburgh Steelers made an interesting decision on Tuesday morning. According to Ian Rapoport, the Steelers are signing former All-Pro wide receiver and return specialist Jamal Agnew to their practice squad.
Known for his explosive speed and elusive style, Agnew brings a special teams boost, but he hasn’t made his mark in the NFL as a wide receiver. His All-Pro honors come from his skills as a return man, where he’s consistently been a game-changer. Agnew was injured during Week 18 last year when he sustained a lower leg fracture. He also missed four other games in 2024 with a rib injury.
While Agnew may not immediately bolster the Steelers' receiving corps, he could provide crucial support in field positioning and momentum. With the Steelers searching for reliable play-makers, Agnew’s addition brings a new dimension to their special teams unit, giving them an edge in the return game that could translate into critical advantages during AFC North play.
Agnew, 29, spent the past three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he made the Pro Bowl in 2022 after averaging 26 yards per return on kickoffs, and had 205 yards returning punts. During his rookie season with the Detroit Lions in 2017 is when he was named an All-Pro after two dazzling punt returns with his longest being 88 yards.
This isn't the first time the Steelers have added an All-Pro returner during the middle of the season. Back in 2015, the Steelers signed Jacoby Jones after he was released by the then-San Diego Chargers.
Most Steelers fans remember Jones as the Baltimore Ravens' return man that Tomlin nearly stepped onto the field to stop from scoring back in 2012. The signing was ultimately a failure for the Steelers with Jones only playing in four games before he was named inactive for the final three games of that season.
Steelers' Calvin Austin III May Miss Some Time
Calvin Austin III has been great for the Steelers, but this move might be cause for concern for him. It hints that maybe his injury will force him to miss some time. While Mike Tomlin didn't mention anything about Austin being injured after a Week 10 game, it was clear Austin left the game after making a critical catch late in the fourth quarter. Tomlin likely will provide clarity on Tuesday when he addresses the media at noon.
Austin has not had a ton of success as a punt returner this season, but that could be attributed more to having nowhere to run rather than anything he's doing wrong. His biggest play of the year came against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football when he provided a huge spark with a 73-yard punt return touchdown. Outside of the touchdown return, Austin is averaging 8.5 yards per punt return on 18 returns, which is good for 12th in the NFL. He has 12 fair catch calls.
Agnew may have a real chance to make an impact in the Steel City; though, he's on the practice squad for now. His experience and agility make him a dynamic addition, even if his primary impact lies outside the offensive scheme. Agnew will provide depth at wide receiver and will also give the Steelers a backup option at the return spot.
