Ex-Steelers WR with Harsh Words for Team on Exit Signs in CFL
A former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, who had some harsh words for the team on his way out the door last fall, has signed in the Canadian Football League. Wide receiver Jacob Copeland, who had three stints with the Steelers across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, has signed with the Edmonton Elks of the CFL, the league announced last week.
Copeland’s last stint with the Steelers ended on Aug. 26 last season, when he was among the team’s first wave of cuts at the end of the preseason — during which he had been targeted just one time over three games.
After he was released and cleared waivers, Copeland had some strong words for the Steelers on social media.
“Just because you love the game doesn’t mean the game will love you back,” Copeland wrote on X after his release, along with his highlights from training camp practices.
When asked why he was cut by a fan, Copeland responded, “Didn’t get a chance to showcase preseason. No opportunity.”
Another fan chimed in and said everyone is elite at the NFL level. Copeland agreed, but he still feels like he wasn’t given an opportunity in Pittsburgh.
“Absolutely. And I will never discredit that, but all I wanted/want is an opportunity,” Copeland wrote.
The Steelers had signed Copeland on June 24 of last year. They also had Copeland on their practice squad for two short stints in 2023. Copeland, 25, is a 5-foot-11, 201-pound wide receiver in his third professional season out of Maryland.
He signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but was waived at the start of training camp on Aug. 2. He then signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but was released on cut-down day on Aug. 29. He has yet to play in an NFL regular-season game.
Copeland is the second former Steelers player to sign with the Elks this offseason, joining cornerback Kalon Barnes. The 2025 CFL season will start on June 5, with the 112th edition of the Grey Cup in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Nov. 16.
Chris Ward contributed.