Report: Free agent linebacker Jarvis Jones visiting Cardinals Monday
Mar 13, 2017, 8:28 AM | Updated: 3:21 pm
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) runs with an intercepted pass past Kansas City Chiefs center Mitch Morse (61) in during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
(AP Photo/Don Wright)
After the first wave of the NFL free agency period, things got a little slow Sunday for general manager Steve Keim and the Arizona Cardinals’ front office.
After seeing four former Cardinals sign elsewhere Friday and Saturday, literally nothing happened Sunday.
That could change Monday, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Steelers’ LB Jarvis Jones is visiting today with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. Steelers remain interested, still in discussions.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2017
With starting linebacker Kevin Minter not coming back to the Cardinals in 2017, it makes sense that Arizona is in the market for a replacement at that position.
I don't expect Cardinals to make offer to free agent linebacker Jarvis Jones on this visit – probably waiting on Okafor.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 13, 2017
Jones, 27, has spent four seasons in Pittsburgh after the Steelers made him a first-round draft pick (17th overall) in 2013. He has been considered a major disappointment, considering his draft position and production. The outside backer has played in 50 games, starting 35, for Pittsburgh in that span. He had 42 total tackles in 2016, while adding a sack and two forced fumbles.
In his career, Jones has 129 tackles, six sacks, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder played 45 percent of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps last year — the highest percentage he’s posted since he was in on 59 percent of the Steelers’ defensive plays as a rookie in 2013.
