The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially lost a former Pro Bowl wide receiver and return specialist after his contract expired. Among a recent group of practice squad contract expirations, the Steelers saw Jamal Agnew, a 2017 first-team All-Pro and 2022 Pro Bowl return specialist, depart.
Agnew, 29, joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad on November 12 but never played in a game. He was elevated for the Wild Card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens but was later ruled inactive.
A University of San Diego product, Agnew played four seasons as a cornerback from 2013 to 2016. During his college career, he racked up 148 tackles, 59 passes defended, 11 interceptions, and returned 17 punts for 216 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown as a senior.
In 2016, Agnew earned first-team All-Pioneer Football League honors before entering the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Detroit Lions selected him 165th overall in the fifth round. His impressive rookie season earned him All-Pro honors after leading the league with 447 return yards and two punt return touchdowns.
Agnew played with the Lions until 2020, transitioning to wide receiver, before signing a three-year, $14.25 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his three seasons there, Agnew became a key contributor in both the passing game, with 641 yards and five touchdowns on 61 receptions, and as a return specialist, amassing 423 yards on 50 punt returns, 1,463 yards on 58 kick returns, and a 102-yard return touchdown against the Denver Broncos in 2021.
He also made history in 2021, tying the NFL record for the longest return touchdown with a 109-yard return on a missed field goal by Matt Prater of the Arizona Cardinals.
With the Steelers struggling on kick returns in 2024, it’s possible they could look to bring Agnew back at some point.
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