Why trading for Sam Darnold is still an option for Steelers
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers are at a standstill with Ben Roethlisberger. Here’s why trading for Jets QB Sam Darnold this offseason is still an option.
It’s almost shocking at this point in the season that nothing has been worked out between the Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Fans thought they would get some clarity through what Kevin Colbert had to say in his most recent press conference. But instead of offering reassuring statements that Big Ben will return with the team in 2021, his comments made us lean the other direction.
Colbert was very noncommital to his long-time quarterback, noting that the Steelers need to do what is best for the franchise. With each passing day, it seems like the chances that Roethlisberger does not return becomes greater.
The Steelers could elect to go with Mason Rudolph in his stead, but something tells me they will be more aggressive than this. One quarterback who could be up for grabs is Jet’s former first-round pick, Sam Darnold. Here’s why he is a definite possibility for Pittsburgh if Ben Roethlisberger does not return:
Jets should be looking to deal Sam Darnold
The Jets hold the number two overall pick this April and Darnold could very well be on the move. In fact, most analysts would think it would be outrageous of New York to pass on an opportunity to hit the reset button – especially considering the strength of the quarterback position at the top of the drat this year.
BYU’s Zach Wilson is very likely to become the second overall pick this year, and keeping a 23-year-old Darnold around as a backup doesn’t make much sense. Though he won’t fetch a king’s ransom in a trade like Matthew Stafford did, the Jets may be able to get as much as a late first-round pick. A Roethlisberger-less Steelers team could be the first to take the bate.