Steelers release Dri Archer, sign Jacoby Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones on Thursday, hoping to give their special teams a boost.

The 31-year-old Jones was released by San Diego earlier this week after averaging 21.4 yards per kickoff return for the Chargers. Jones, a Pro Bowler in 2012 while playing for Baltimore, has returned five kickoffs for touchdowns in his career.

To make room on the roster for Jones, the Steelers released running back/returner Dri Archer. A third-round pick in the 2014 draft, Archer struggled to adjust to the NFL. He averaged 25.3 yards per return this season, with a long of 38. Archer totaled just 34 yards on two returns in last week's loss to Cincinnati, getting tackled inside the Pittsburgh 20 both times.