Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) watches from the sideline during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Pittsburgh appears to be facing a genuine quarterback dilemma.
After suffering another disheartening loss to a team with only two wins on Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in search of solutions.
With Kenny Pickett sidelined due to injury, Mitch Trubisky stepped in as the backup quarterback, only to face criticism from fans mere moments into the game. It’s evident early on that the Steelers’ quarterback situation could prove to be their downfall if Trubisky continues to start games.
However, Pickett hasn’t been delivering stellar performances overall this season either. This raises the question: perhaps the Steelers need to reassess and overhaul the quarterback position entirely?
Looking ahead to the upcoming offseason, the Steelers have several options to explore in their quest for a new starting quarterback. Let’s examine five particularly promising ones.
1. Jayden Daniels, LSU
Given the Steelers’ draft position in the 2024 NFL Draft, they could potentially select LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is currently ranked as the third-best quarterback in the class. Daniels boasts impressive dual-threat capabilities and has put up impressive numbers during his final season with the Tigers.
So far, Daniels has amassed 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Daniels’ skill set presents a departure from the Steelers’ usual style but could inject a fresh dynamic into Pittsburgh’s offense, potentially resulting in increased scoring.
As the Steelers’ offseason unfolds, it seems they are determined to maximize their offensive potential. Owner Art Rooney has voiced full support for the coaching staff, indicating a commitment to maintaining the current setup for the 2024 season.
In this mock draft scenario, the Steelers prioritize bolstering their offense to complement Kenny Pickett. However, if their efforts fail, the quarterback situation will undoubtedly be the focal point of scrutiny, and the team will need to find answers.
With the addition of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, there are mixed reactions within the club. While Smith’s emphasis on the running game could pose challenges given the current roster composition, his track record, particularly with quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill, suggests potential for positive impact.
One veteran quarterback option that could be of interest to Smith is Joe Flacco. With a strong arm and a willingness to take risks, Flacco could provide stability behind a robust running game. Despite his stint with the Cleveland Browns last season showcasing his competency, acquiring Flacco from free agency might pose challenges given his history with the Steelers’ rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
Ultimately, the Steelers are focused on building a championship-caliber roster, exploring avenues such as the NFL Draft and potential trades to address key positions. While the primary focus may be on offense, bolstering other areas like cornerback through trades remains a consideration for the team.
