Here are the reasons that the Steelers won by signing Haskins
While it may sound silly considering the fact that Dwayne Haskins has been a sitting free agent for the past few weeks, the Steelers are easily big winners by signing him. The former first-round pick flamed out in just about a season and a half of play in Washington D.C., but he is a former top-15 overall pick who has an absolute cannon for an arm. His mediocre play and off the field concerns do make him a risky player, but the team clearly came out on top of this deal. Here are the five reasons that the Steelers are winners for signing Haskins.
Ben Roethlisberger
While the early inclinations are that Ben Roethlisberger will suit up for another season next year, there is still plenty of reason to doubt his return. For starters, until he officially announces he isn’t retiring, there is little to guarantee what he does this offseason. Speculation today is that he will play in 2021, but he could easily come out tomorrow and announce his retirement. Even if Roethlisberger plans to play, the Steelers could have different opinions.
As has been well documented, Roethlisberger will have a cap hit of over 41 million dollars next year if he is on the roster. The Steelers could save roughly 19 million if he is cut or could save a varying amount of money if they try to extend him. He may want to play, but the team may not want him back at that price. There is a very real chance Roethlisberger isn’t with the team in 2021, so having another body at the position is a plus.