The Steelers already have two serviceable backups in Mason Rudolph and Delvin Hodges, but they might look for more experience and upside.
The Steelers played the majority of their season last year with backups playing at the most important position in football. The season ended with the team missing the playoffs for a second year in a row with an 8-8 record.
Both Rudolph and Hodges played their part in keeping the ship afloat, but their efforts proved to be futile. Exploring the possibility of bringing in players like Cam Newton and Jameis Winston could prove to be better for the team. Here’s a look at each quarterback:
Cam Newton
The former NFL MVP and franchise player is leaving Carolina after many different injuries and gossip led him out of the Panthers organization. Newton is looking for a fresh start and he is extremely motivated. He posted a video of his offseason workout where he plans on proving he is still a franchise level talent for another team.
Newton would be an entirely different kind of model that Pittsburgh has never seen before, a giant with super athleticism that can take over a game. He is a Superman version of Kordell Stewart’s “Slash” persona. Newton is currently 30 years old and it is extremely rare to see the Steelers sign someone over or at that age limit, but stranger things have happened.
Another roadblock is Newton would have to accept coming here to be Ben Roethlisberger’s backup. For a man trying to prove his worth, it is tough to see him coming to Pittsburgh.
Jameis Winston
Winston is coming off one of the best and worst seasons of his career as he led the league in passing yards and interceptions. Jameis Winston also threw for 33 touchdowns which almost matched his 30 interceptions on the year, but still, he finished a plus three in that department.
Winston blamed his eyesight after the season for his struggles with the turnovers he was making on a consistent basis. He was averaging around two interceptions a game. The Buccaneers finished the year 7-9 and just signed Tom Brady.
Winston will be playing elsewhere next season and if he comes at a reasonable deal, the Steelers could come calling. After getting Lasik eye surgery, perhaps Winston will be a better player with some more skill in the decision-making process at his position. He could be a complimentary backup to Roethlisberger as well and good competition for Rudolph and Hodges.
Will either quarterback come to Pittsburgh? Only time will tell, but Colbert and the Steelers seem fairly comfortable with the players already on the roster heading into offseason workouts. Maybe they should give Newton or Winston a second look.