Pittsburgh Steelers Dri Archer works out with the New York Jets

The Steelers 2014 third-round draft pick Dri Archer is exploring options with other teams. The Jets recently worked out the second-year kick returner, according to Rich Cimini.

Jets work out kickers and kick returners, including Dri Archer https://t.co/4orGqvP61F

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 17, 2015

Archer was cut after Week 8, losing his spot on the roster to wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones, who most recently played for the San Diego Chargers and was a member of the Baltimore Ravens before that. Steelers special teams have struggled throughout the season, but Dri Archer managed to average 25.3 yards per kick return, a statistic that ranks him eighth in the league.

Archer's replacement had a dismal game in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns. Jones has struggled to rack up yardage, in part a function of poor blocking. On the other hand, he fumbled one ball this past week and bobbled another. Thus far, his performance has been far worse than Archer's.

In the weeks since he was eliminated from the Steelers squad, Archer declined practice squad spots for ten different teams. The Jets are in desperate need of a kick returner after losing Chris Owusu and Zac Stacy to injuries. Their remaining players have been inconsistent, so Archer and his NFL eighth-best average yards per kick return could be an attractive option.

Meanwhile, Steelers fans are left wondering why the team cut a competent returner for someone who has struggled as much as Jacoby Jones thus far.