Eric

Rowe

With T.J. Watt sidelined, the Steelers will call up Jack, who was signed to the practice squad back in November. Jack unexpectedly retired in late August after signing with the Eagles in the offseason. The former second-round pick spent 2022 with the Steelers, where he totaled 103 tackles and three TFLs in 15 games. He appeared in just three games with season, picking up 17 tackles and one sack. While he used up all his practice squad elevations during the regular season, elevations reset for postseason, so the Steelers could have two practice squad players (Jack and S Eric Rowe) starting all the way through the AFC championship if they keep winning.

Rowe was released by the Panthers at the conclusion of training camp. The veteran safety appeared in 14 games for the Dolphins last season, earning a PFF coverage grade of 49.5 while totaling 56 tackles and two sacks. Rowe’s signing comes on the same day the Steelers also welcomed back linebacker Myles Jack.

Rowe was signed to a one-year deal this offseason after playing in 14 games with the Dolphins in 2022. The veteran safety struggled in pass coverage last year, earning a PFF coverage grade of 49.5 while allowing 39 receptions for 489 yards on 47 targets. In addition to Rowe, the Panthers also waived RB Spencer Brown.

Rowe played in 14 games last year, adding two sacks and two passes defensed while playing 60% of the defensive snaps for Miami. Rowe will give the Panthers a versatile nickel defender as well as backup Xavier Woods and free-agent signee Vonn Bell.

The deal includes $7 million guaranteed. Rowe has played well since moving to safety, providing a slight bright spot in this otherwise dismal season. He racked up five total tackles and a pass deflection in the Dolphins’ upset victory over the Eagles in Week 13.

Rowe will opt for comfort with Miami since new coach Brian Flores was his defensive play-caller in New England. Rowe missed much of last season with a groin injury. He’ll compete for the starting job opposite Xavien Howard with the Dolphins.

Rowe had started two games this season, but as was the case in 2017, he had been slowed by groin issues for much of the year. Second-rounder Duke Dawson is expected to come off injured reserve next week and immediately assume Rowe’s position in the Patriots’ cornerback rotation. Now 26, Rowe will be a free agent at season’s end.

This conflicts with reports the coaching staff is down on Rowe. Despite coming off an ineffective rookie year, Rowe only needs to beat out Nolan Carroll to start opposite McKelvin. Ron Brooks is locked in as Philly’s slot corner.

Both are behind Leodis McKelvin, Ron Brooks, and Nolan Carroll. While Mills has performed well this offseason, the real story is about Rowe’s inability to earn a role in a nondescript corner group. He is beginning to shape up as wasted pick.

Based on OTAs, Rowe was a distant fourth on the depth chart behind Leodis McKelvin, Nolan Carroll, and Ron Brooks. The Newark Star-Ledger thinks he “needs a strong training camp to see the field.” Rowe has time to make up lost ground, but he no longer appears to be in serious contention for a starting job.