Should the Steelers consider drafting and nurturing a mid-round quarterback? That’s the big question, especially in light of this year’s notably weak quarterback draft class. Standing far from top prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, many critics argue that even the best in this draft don’t quite stack up to last year’s first-round picks.
However, uncovering a franchise quarterback requires taking a swing, even if it means starting with a mid-round pick. It’s widely suggested that the Steelers avoid spending a first-round pick on a quarterback, yet the reality remains: Without making a move, they’ll never find their future leader on the field.
Recent whispers hint at the Steelers’ genuine interest in snapping up a mid-round quarterback. Familiar names in these discussions include Will Howard and Jalen Milroe. While mid and late rounds don’t frequently produce franchise quarterbacks, they’re not barren fields. Take a moment to consider Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, Kurt Warner, and Tony Romo—all players initially overlooked who eventually thrived.
Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers made two quarterback picks in a single year. First, they chose Kenny Pickett in the first round of 2022, only to trade him away a year later. Later on, Chris Oladokun joined the squad, although he didn’t seem to make a lasting impression.
Currently, Skylar Thompson stands as the only quarterback under contract with the Steelers. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen are all pending free agents. There’s a fair chance that at least Wilson or Fields, if not Allen, will stick around. Still, room remains for a new contender to step in for this year’s backup slot.
Is it time to let a rookie take a shot at that chance? Much depends on which veteran the Steelers manage to keep on board. Could they be more inclined to gamble on someone like Milroe, should he still be available, if Fields is re-signed? Steelers President Art Rooney II has made it clear he’d prefer a quarterback room that supports a uniform system. Apparently, the disparity between Wilson and Fields posed some challenges in that regard. But how critical is uniformity, really?
The curtain has closed on the Steelers’ 2024 season, and it’s not been a great end—to put it mildly. Coach Mike Tomlin’s team bowed out early in the postseason yet again, with an offense that faltered and a defense that unfortunately matched it, culminating in a 21-0 deficit at halftime.
Just like last year, the quarterback dilemma looms large. Do the Steelers still place their faith in Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, or is it time to scout for other options? Other crucial decisions also hover on the horizon, such as the future of George Pickens. Should they offer him an extension? Consider trading him? Or just let his rookie contract run its course?
At the start of 2024, things looked promising for the Steelers with a 10-3 record, bringing Coach Tomlin into the Coach of the Year conversation. Yet, in a rinse-and-repeat pattern, another late-season downfall unveiled itself. A crushing four-game losing streak led to a short-lived playoff appearance. Welcome to the highs and lows of Steelers football.
