The Pittsburgh Steelers selected LB Jarvis Jones with the 17th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. The organization had high hopes and believed Jones would soon be a full time starter, replacing aging veteran James Harrison in the lineup. This however has not been the case.
The Steelers have less than a week to decide whether or not to accept the fifth-year option for Jones.
According to Joel Corry of CBS Sports, Jones is set to make $8.369 million dollars. If the organization decides to accept his fifth-year option prior to the May 3rd deadline, the amount will be fully guaranteed.
The 2015 season for Jones has been by far his best. He recorded 2 sacks, 29 tackles, and an interception. Wait a minute… this is actually his best season? These stats don’t seem like it. The Steelers upgraded their defensive coordinator to Keith Butler when Dick Lebeau resigned. Butler decided that Jones would be best fit to become more of a drop back LB. He only rushed the QB a handful of times each game, and in a week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Jones had his first interception.
The main question going into the offseason is whether or not Jarvis Jones should receive his fifth-year option contract. Is Jones really worth 8 million dollars?
I believe Jarvis Jones has improved greatly from his rookie campaign. Now that Keith Butler is the defensive coordinator, expect Jarvis to continue to be more of a drop back player until James Harrison retires, again. Until then, Bud Dupree can fill the role that Jones should of have occupied in 2013. Dupree’s rookie campaign was excellent. He recorded 4 sacks, and 26 tackles, but the question still lingers about Jones’ 5th year option.
The Steelers always believe in their players, Jarvis Jones is one of them. If he continues to provide excellent drop back coverage and records a few sacks a season, then the organization does NOT need to pick up his option but rather just sign him to a contract after his 2016 campaign is complete.
What do you guys think? Accept or Decline this Option?
4 Comments
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DaveB.
April 26, 2016 at 5:28 pm
Do the Steelers really have an option at this point ? Bud Dupree is the starter on the opposite side , so that leaves Arthur Moats and ole reliable James Harrison . Moats is a serviceable linebacker but not spectacular by any means . James Harrison , at this age is no longer a full time starter , nor should he be . With that said , the Steelers will more than likely pick up the fifth year option on Jones contract . Lastly , 2016 is do or die time for Jarvis Jones , He either gets it done this year , or hes gone . Bottom line , hes had enough time to prove himself . It simply hasnt happened .
DrGeorge
April 26, 2016 at 5:49 pm
I concur, DaveB. They will let him play out his fifth year for lack of a better option. Look for the Steelers to take a LB in Round # 3 or 4 of the draft to replace him and\or James Harrison in 2017. I would expect Chickillo and V. Williams to get more playing time this year, too, and for the coaches to try some different LB combinations.
Mr. Bodnar, I don’t regard K. Butler as an “upgrade” to Dick LeBeau (HOF, Super Bowl rings). The defense improved last year largely because Butler finally got the talent that LeBeau was denied for four years. In his last four years, as our defensive veterans retired, LeBeau was asked to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear and did a superb coaching job with what little talent he had left. He deserves greater respect that this.
Nathaniel Bodnar
April 26, 2016 at 5:57 pm
When I said “upgraded their defensive coordinator” I did not mean any disrespect to the HOF coach. I should of used a different word there. I do agree with you about the talent when LeBeau was there and how it improved when Butler showed up. It was kind of shocking how the defense improved from 2014 to 2015.
Dennis Woods
April 26, 2016 at 6:14 pm
I disagree with you guys about Butler. He had for the most part the same talent as LeBeau but IMO did a much better job in using basically the same players, Dupree obviously was drafted after he “left”. Don’t think he resigned either.