Steelers Sign Rakim Jarrett to Practice Squad Following Week 1 Victory
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a notable addition to their practice squad, bringing in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett. This move comes on the heels of the Steelers’ Week 1 victory against the New York Jets, reflecting a strategic adjustment in their roster.
Roster Changes After a Win
The Steelers announced the signing of Jarrett as they simultaneously released receiver Lance McCutcheon. This decision underscores the team’s commitment to enhancing their receiving corps as they embark on the 2024 season.
Jarrett, a highly-regarded prospect, was a five-star recruit out of St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. He joined the University of Maryland as part of their 2020 recruiting class, where he quickly made an impact. In his freshman year, he tallied 252 yards and two touchdowns on 17 receptions. His sophomore season saw significant growth, as he amassed 829 yards and five touchdowns. By his senior year in 2022, Jarrett recorded 471 yards and three touchdowns on 40 catches before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Journey Through the NFL
Despite going undrafted, Jarrett signed with the Buccaneers and managed to secure a spot on the team’s 53-man roster as a rookie. His preseason performance, which included 132 yards on seven receptions, showcased his potential. However, his time in Tampa Bay was marred by injuries. He appeared in 10 games during the 2023 season, where he caught four passes for 60 yards before a quadriceps injury landed him on injured reserve in November.
As the 2024 season began, Jarrett was again placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury. After being activated in October, he contributed 124 yards on nine receptions across 10 games, including two starts. Despite his efforts, he was not retained by the Buccaneers during final roster cuts on August 26, providing the Steelers with an opportunity to sign him after a recent visit.
Lance McCutcheon’s Departure
Lance McCutcheon’s release marks a quick turn of events for the receiver, who initially joined the Steelers’ practice squad in October 2024. He returned to the franchise on a reserve/futures contract in January and performed well during the preseason, accumulating 66 yards on five receptions. However, his efforts were insufficient to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. McCutcheon’s previous NFL experience includes 10 games with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted rookie in 2022.
The Steelers now look to integrate Jarrett into their dynamic offense as they aim to build on their early season momentum. With the addition of a player of Jarrett’s caliber, Pittsburgh is poised to enhance its receiving options moving forward.
