Football runs through many cycles where certain positions are more valuable and are more crucial to success than others. We’ve seen the glory days of the running backs and massive salaries for left tackles too but nothing matters like the quarterback position. No one knows this quite like our Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you’re old enough to remember the period after Terry Bradshaw – sorry for the tremors I just caused – then you’re starting to see it re-emerge. The Steelers are again entering an offseason where there is massive instability at the position and the long-term answer is nowhere on the horizon. What are the Steelers’ options? There are many options but all of them come with significant questions.
Russell Wilson
There’s no question that Wilson provided a spark when he came into the starting lineup in week seven. His ability to read defenses and adjust the offense was better than what Justin Fields was able to do. That comes from experience and it comes from knowledge.
But then the rest of the defensive coordinators on the schedule started to figure out what Wilson and Arthur Smith were doing. The turnovers increased, the sacks increased and the numbers dropped. Defenses took away his first option often forcing him to scramble or throw the ball away.
Not all of that was on him as he played three games without his best receiver and his offensive line regressed as the season wore on. What matters with Wilson coming back is money. Are the Steelers going to pay a 36-year old quarterback $100 over three years? That appears to be the market so don’t laugh. Wilson loves it in Pittsburgh but there are questions about his relationship with Smith so his return isn’t guaranteed.
Justin Fields
When you look at his final season (the second half specifically) in Chicago and his first six games in Pittsburgh, there was growth and success. He was turning the ball over less and he was making better decisions. He also possesses what Mike Tomlin covets and that is mobility.
Fields will likely be a much cheaper option than any other free agent available and he has the added advantage of knowing the offense. There are issues with Fields’ game however that can’t be ignored. He struggles to throw with anticipation and often throws without necessary touch at times. His ability to read defenses is questionable and that leads to issues with where to go with the ball. Can he get better? I’m not so sure he hasn’t already reached his ceiling.
Aaron Rodgers
Let’s keep in mind that much of the speculation here revolves around two, cute little interactions between Rodgers and Tomlin during recent games against one another. That aside, Rodgers has battled injuries in recent years and he also brings more baggage than a Southwest Airlines terminal.
There is still talent there along with plenty of experience, knowledge and competitiveness, but is that enough to warrant him coming to Pittsburgh? With plenty of drama already surrounding this team is Mike Tomlin going to want to deal with a QB who demands so many things?
Kirk Cousins
It’s widely believed the Atlanta Falcons will part ways with Cousins after his season bottomed out. He played so poorly that they had no choice but to turn to rookie Michael Penix, Jr.
It was clear in week one when the Steelers played him that his mobility was gone following last season’s Achilles injury. It never returned as the season went on and I can’t see Tomlin wanting to go back to having an experienced, yet statuesque QB.
Sam Darnold
After starting his career with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold saw some resurgence with the 49ers and obviously the Vikings. His arm strength is solid and he throws with plenty of anticipation. We cannot however fail to mention that he played with a much better defense in Minnesota, an All-Pro wide receiver and an above-average offensive line.
While Darnold’s price tag likely went down following his final two games where he struggled, I can’t see him playing behind the Steelers’ offensive line as we currently know it. His mobility is limited and that’s just something you have to have in Pittsburgh right now.
Looking to the Draft
This is not a good draft for top tier NFL QB talent. Most experts do not have any first round grades although they all admit there will be at least one or two taken in the opening round. Cam Ward of Miami seems to be the cream of the crop along with Shadeur Sanders of Colorado but I can’t see the Steelers taking a QB inside the first two rounds.
When the third round rolls around however I can see the Steelers looking at a signal caller. Who it would be I have no idea but they need to draft someone simply because their QB room is as quiet as a mime. Jalen Milroe of Alabama and Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss could be guys in this range but the NFL Combine and pro days will dictate more along these longs.
My gut feeling is that Wilson OR Fields returns but it won’t be both.
