The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a crucial decision this offseason as they look to solidify their quarterback position for the future. With the recent news of Aaron Rodgers potentially leaving the Green Bay Packers, many have speculated that the Steelers could be a potential landing spot for the superstar quarterback. However, former NFL player and current analyst Pat McAfee has highlighted the importance of the Steelers doing their due diligence on the quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft if they are unable to acquire Rodgers.
McAfee’s statement holds a lot of weight, as the Steelers have recently re-signed Mason Rudolph as their quarterback. While Rudolph has shown promise in his limited playing time, he is currently the only reliable and healthy quarterback on the Steelers’ roster. This puts the team in a precarious position, as they need to have a solid backup plan in case Rudolph is unable to perform at the level they need him to.
The Steelers have a history of success at the quarterback position, with legends like Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger leading the team to multiple Super Bowl victories. However, with Roethlisberger nearing the end of his career, the team needs to start looking towards the future. This is where the potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers comes into play.
Rodgers is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and his addition to any team would instantly make them a Super Bowl contender. The Steelers have a strong supporting cast on both offense and defense, and Rodgers would be the missing piece to take them to the next level. However, with the Packers showing no signs of wanting to trade Rodgers, the Steelers may have to look elsewhere for their quarterback of the future.
This is where the upcoming draft comes into play. The Steelers have the 24th overall pick, and there are several talented quarterbacks that could be available at that spot. Names like Mac Jones, Kyle Trask, and Kellen Mond have all been linked to the Steelers in various mock drafts. While these quarterbacks may not have the same level of talent as Rodgers, they could still be solid options for the Steelers to groom for the future.
One name that has been gaining a lot of attention is North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. Lance is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and impressive athleticism. He has been compared to players like Josh Allen and Cam Newton, and his potential is through the roof. However, he is still a raw prospect and may need some time to develop before he is ready to take over as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Another intriguing option for the Steelers is Florida’s Kyle Trask. Trask had a breakout season in 2020, throwing for 4,283 yards and 43 touchdowns. He has good size and a strong arm, and his accuracy and decision-making have improved significantly over the past year. He may not have the same physical tools as Lance, but he has shown the ability to lead a high-powered offense and could be a good fit for the Steelers’ system.
The Steelers could also look to the future by drafting a quarterback in the later rounds. Players like Kellen Mond from Texas A&M and Jamie Newman from Wake Forest could be available in the second or third round and have the potential to develop into solid starting quarterbacks in the NFL.
While the Steelers may be tempted to wait for Rodgers to become available, they cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket. They need to have a backup plan in case they are unable to acquire him. This is where the importance of doing their homework on the quarterback prospects in the draft comes into play. The Steelers have a history of drafting and developing quarterbacks, and they need to continue that trend if they want to remain competitive in the AFC.
In conclusion, the Steelers are facing a crucial offseason as they look to solidify their quarterback position for the future. While the potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers would be a dream scenario, the team needs to be prepared in case that does not happen. Doing their due diligence on the quarterback prospects in the draft is crucial for the team’s success, and it is a task that head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff must take seriously. With the right pick, the Steelers could have their quarterback of the future and continue their winning ways for years to come.
