Ought to Steelers Attempt To Draft And Develop A Mid-Spherical QB?

Ought to the Steelers attempt to draft and develop a mid-round quarterback?

The Steelers are confronted with one of many weaker quarterback draft courses in years, nicely out of attain of the most effective names like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Many consider that the most effective quarterbacks of this class barely rival the worst of final yr’s first-rounders.

However the factor with franchise quarterbacks is you may’t play the sport should you don’t purchase a ticket. Whereas most agree that the Steelers shouldn’t make investments a first-round decide on the place, they stand no probability of touchdown a franchise quarterback in the event that they don’t even get the bat off their shoulder.

Latest studies recommend that the Steelers are certainly curious about including a mid-round quarterback. Some names now we have heard for some time embrace the apparent, like Will Howard and Jalen Milroe. Whereas later rounds not often yield long-term quarterbacks, it’s greater than by no means. Take into consideration Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, Kurt Warner, and Tony Romo.

The Steelers have drafted two quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired, each in the identical yr. The primary was Kenny Pickett within the first spherical in 2022, whom they since traded a yr in the past. On the finish of the identical class, they drafted Chris Oladokun, whom they barely took a have a look at.

In the meanwhile, the Steelers don’t have any quarterbacks below contract aside from Skylar Thompson. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are each pending free brokers, as is Kyle Allen. It’s seemingly that they are going to re-sign wither Wilson or Fields, and probably Allen as nicely. However they are going to nonetheless have a gap for somebody to compete for this yr’s backup spot.

Ought to that chance go to a rookie, and the way a lot does it rely on which veteran they signal? Are they extra seemingly, for instance, to take an opportunity on Milroe ought to he fall in the event that they re-sign Fields? Steelers President Artwork Rooney II expressed a want to have a quarterback room with which they will run a uniform system. The implication was that Wilson and Fields differed an excessive amount of for his liking, however how a lot does that matter?

The Steelers’ 2024 season has come to its predictably inauspicious finish, with one more one-and-done postseason for HC Mike Tomlin. The offense faltered, and the protection matched it blow for blow, resulting in a 21-0 first-half deficit.

Similar to final yr, the largest query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Do they nonetheless consider in Russell Wilson, and/or Justin Fields, or do they need one other resolution? There are different main selections to make, as nicely, comparable to what to do with George Pickens. Do you signal him to an extension, attempt to commerce him, or let him play out his rookie contract?

The Steelers began the 2024 season 10-3, with Mike Tomlin within the Coach of the 12 months dialog. Wash, rinse, and repeat, and now we have one other late-season collapse. This can be the worst but, a four-game shedding streak presaging a one-and-done playoff “run”. Welcome to Steelers soccer.