The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a significant move in their wide receiver corps, releasing Zay Jones following the selection of Brian Thomas from LSU in the first round of the draft. This decision marks the end of Jones' tenure with the team, a tenure that was plagued by various injuries throughout the previous season.

Jones' last season with the Jaguars was marred by a series of injuries, including a PCL sprain and cartilage damage in his femur. These injuries severely limited his playing time, causing him to miss a majority of the games. Despite these setbacks, Jones managed to amass over 800 receiving yards and 321 yards in just nine games, showcasing his potential on the field.

While Jones' larger frame and ability to play outside may have made him a logical fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are reportedly seeking a significant playmaker, other potential options are also being explored. Over his NFL career, Jones has only had three seasons with over 500 receiving yards, and his performance in 2022 was his best season to date.

The Steelers, who have been in search of a wide receiver since the trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, have encountered difficulties in their pursuit. Free agent targets such as Mike Williams and Tyler Boyd have not panned out, with Williams signing with the Jets and negotiations with Boyd reaching an impasse. The team has also expressed interest in San Francisco's Brandon Aiyuk, although the 49ers have maintained that he is not available for trade. In this regard, Courtland Sutton emerges as an intriguing option for the Steelers.

Should trade discussions fall through, the Steelers may turn to the free agent market where players like Zay Jones could come into consideration. With the recent signing of Michael Gallup by the Las Vegas Raiders, other available names such as D.J. Chark, Michael Thomas, and Odell Beckham Jr. could be potential targets for the Steelers, who are in dire need of another receiver to bolster their lineup.

As negotiations and discussions continue, the Steelers are determined to secure a significant playmaker to fortify their wide receiver corps. Fans and analysts eagerly await updates on a potential trade or free agent signing that could enhance the team's offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.