The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced challenges in recent seasons, particularly in the quarterback position after Ben Roethlisberger’s prime. As Kenny Pickett, currently in the third year of his rookie contract, appears to have been surpassed by veteran backups, the Steelers are exploring various options to address their quarterback needs.
Steelers president Art Rooney II acknowledged the possibility of making a trade for a veteran quarterback if the right opportunity arises, indicating the team’s openness to different avenues for securing a quarterback for the upcoming seasons.
“Well, you know, as we sit here in early February, we’re not closing the door on anything,” responded Rooney. “We have a lot of evaluations to go through, and we’ll explore all the options to improve this coming season.”
The Steelers possess the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, mirroring the spot where they drafted Pickett in 2022. Prior to that, their last first-round quarterback selection was Roethlisberger at No. 11 overall in 2007, a testament to the stability they enjoyed.
Recognizing the need for an upgrade and potentially wanting to avoid another late first-round pick, the Steelers might explore the market for players like Justin Fields or Kyler Murray.
Or, consider veteran free agents such as Kirk Cousins or Ryan Tannehill. Regardless of the approach, it’s crucial for them to add someone, ensuring Pickett isn’t the unquestioned starter heading into camp.
The experiences from his first two seasons indicate that such a scenario is unlikely to succeed. With backups like Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, the Steelers lack an in-house option who is a guaranteed starter, prompting Rooney’s statement that the team cannot rule out any avenue of quarterback acquisition.
