4 realistic quarterback options for Steelers in 2021 if Ben Roethlisberger retires
By Tommy Jaggi
Sam Darnold
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Sam Darnold, but even I have to admit that he has drawn the short straw since entering the league. Apart from drafting their left tackle in 2020, the New York Jets have done very little to go out of their way and get this kid some help, as the Jets were content spending less than nearly every team in the league this year.
On the Steelers, I’m confident that Darnold would look like a better passer than he has in his first three years. There are positives and negatives to making a deal for him. While Darnold is still very young (23 years old), he has just one year remaining on his rookie deal and will likely require a large second contract – assuming he has a respectable season in 2021.
Still, the Jets may not be requiring a first-round pick at this point to part ways with the former 3rd overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold is a talented, young player with an NFL arm who should be much better on his next team. There is a very good chance New York will draft Justin Fields or Zach Wilson this year, so a deal for Darnold shouldn’t be difficult to execute at the right price.