Steelers 2021 offseason moves leading up to the draft
By Devan Penman
2. Signing Dwayne Haskins to a 1-year contract
Once a big standout from Ohio State, Dwayne Haskins hasn’t turned over success to his career so far in the 2 years he’s been in the league. What went down in Washington as far as on and off the field will be a regret of his, but everyone deserves a second chance (that might happen to Le’Veon Bell if he wants to return). Look at previous players that were given another shot in Pittsburgh: Jerome Bettis via a trade from the Rams, Kordell Stewart from getting benched a few times, Tommy Maddox signed from the old XFL, Plaxico Burress after playing for the Giants, Byron Leftwich getting released from Jacksonville, and Michael Vick getting released from prison after charged from dog-fighting. There’s a precedent in the organization giving previous players or free agents another chance.
Haskins is no exception, but it has been a controversial decision due to his statistics as quarterback of the Washington Football Team. Examples include a completion percentage of about 60% and throwing 14 interceptions over his 12 touchdowns. As for an advantage, he is just as tall as Roethlisberger that gives him some mobility out of the pocket to get away from pressure. That might help our offense if we go from a pocket-throwing, ground, and pound to a wide-open option scheme.
It is not a guarantee he will be 2nd string because Mason Rudolph and Joshua Dobbs will be fighting for their positions and the chance is there for Haskins not to be on the 53-man roster when the regular season begins. That will be up to Dwayne both personally and professionally to correct any wrong-doings he has done if he wants to keep his football career going and not be known as a draft bust.