NFL Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Next Quarterback Could Be Former First-Round Pick

Following a disappointing finish to their season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are already trying to bolster the quarterback position. The AFC North champions are considering adding a recent first-round draft pick to the roster.

Dwayne Haskins visited with the Steelers Thursday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. The Washington Football Team selected Haskins with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Washington released Haskins before the conclusion of the 2020 regular season. The quarterback struggled in 13 career starts with 12 touchdown passes, 14 interceptions and a 74.4 passer rating. Haskins was cut shortly after he violated the NFL’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

If Pittsburgh signs Haskins, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll ever become the team’s starting quarterback. That doesn’t mean Ben Roethlisberger is guaranteed to be the Steelers’ starter for the 2021 season.

Roethlisberger’s contract carries a $41.25 million cap hit for next season, and it’ll become official if he’s still on the roster on March 17.

“I don’t have a clear assessment of the overall impact of the cap ramifications, so I might not have a direct answer to your question,” Tomlin told reporters earlier this month when asked about Roethlisberger returning to Pittsburgh on his current deal. “But I think it’s reasonable to assume that there’s a chance that he’s going to be back, certainly. The depth of the ramifications of the cap discussions, I am not privy to as I sit here right now.”

At 38 years old, Roethlisberger’s best days are well behind him. With the retirement of Philip Rivers, he’s the last quarterback from the 2004 draft who is still in the league.

Roethlisberger threw for 3,803 yards and a 94.1 passer rating in 15 regular-season starts. The Steelers ranked 25th overall in total offense.

Pittsburgh managed to go 13-3 before being upset in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Getting improved play from their quarterback could make the Steelers one of next year’s top Super Bowl contenders.

Several accomplished quarterbacks are expected tp be available this offseason. Deshaun Watson, Carson Wentz and Matthew Stafford have all been subjects of trade speculation.

Former No. 1 overall picks Jameis Winston and Cam Newton are headed for free agency. The same goes for Andy Dalton.

Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph is still under contract. Rudolph has a 5-4 career record with Pittsburgh and a meager 82.7 passer rating.