Steelers Sign Former Buccaneers WR Rakim Jarrett to Practice Squad
The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their practice squad with the addition of wide receiver Rakim Jarrett. This strategic move follows the team’s Week 1 victory over the New York Jets, marking a significant reshuffle in their roster.
A New Chapter for Rakim Jarrett
Jarrett, a former standout at the University of Maryland, brings a wealth of collegiate experience to Pittsburgh. Rated as a five-star recruit by 247Sports Composite from St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., Jarrett’s college career began with promise. In his freshman year, he accumulated 252 yards and two touchdowns on 17 receptions. He built on that success during his sophomore year, amassing 829 yards and five touchdowns.
His performance during his senior season in 2022 further solidified his reputation, as he recorded 471 yards and three touchdowns on 40 receptions. Despite an impressive college career, Jarrett went undrafted in 2023 but was promptly signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His preseason efforts secured him a spot on the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster, where he tallied 132 yards on seven catches during the summer.
Injury Challenges and Recent Releases
Jarrett’s NFL journey, however, has been marred by injuries. He played in ten games for Tampa Bay during the 2023 season, contributing four receptions for 60 yards before a quadriceps injury sidelined him for part of the season. He began the 2024 campaign on injured reserve due to an undisclosed issue but was activated in October, finishing the season with 124 yards on nine catches across ten games, including two starts.
Despite his contributions, Jarrett was released during the final roster cuts on August 26, 2024, prompting the Steelers to bring him in after a recent visit.
Roster Changes for the Steelers
In a corresponding move, the Steelers released fellow wide receiver Lance McCutcheon. McCutcheon initially joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad in October 2024 before being released in November. He returned to the team on a reserve/futures contract in January and had a solid preseason with 66 yards on five receptions. However, this was insufficient for him to secure a spot on the Steelers’ 53-man roster.
McCutcheon’s only regular season experience came during his time with the Los Angeles Rams, where he appeared in ten games as an undrafted rookie in 2022.
This roster adjustment reflects the Steelers’ ongoing efforts to optimize their lineup and enhance their offensive capabilities as they navigate the early stages of the season. The addition of Jarrett could provide much-needed depth, while the team continues to seek effective combinations to propel their success on the field.
