The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of wishes for the upcoming new year, but here are five resolutions they must be diligent to complete.
Pittsburgh’s New Year’s resolutions list is a mile long at this point. From signing certain free agents to hoping that they land a generational talent in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers just want a few things to come true. The team must accomplish all of these or a majority of them to be competitive next year and make a playoff run.
Here is what the Steelers New Year’s resolutions look like.
Steelers must draft or sign a QB
The Steelers will be in the market for a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2004. Marcus Mariota has been brought up as a realistic option by Steeler fans over social media and there has been some speculation by fans as well about acquiring Aaron Rodgers during the offseason, but that is unlikely to happen. The team was reported to be looking extensively into the 2022 QB class and what it offers.
The headliners are QBs like Matt Corral, Kenny Pickett, and Desmond Ridder with other options like Malik Willis and Carson Strong. Kenny Pickett is a favorite to stay in his college town and get drafted fairly high to the Steelers, while other mock drafts have the Steelers grabbing Carson Strong or Desmond Ridder in the 2nd round. It is still possible the Steelers don’t even draft a QB and reach into their pockets to sign one during free agency.
Some QBs who are available in free agency for next year are Jamis Winston, Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Tyrod Taylor. Tyrod is a very capable player when not hurt and the Steelers have seen him in the division a couple of times over his career. Jamis Winston tore his ACL and might miss a bit of time during the offseason next year, and will probably not be heavily recruited by teams.
Cam Newton has shown so far he isn’t a QB1 and would probably not contribute to an offense like he used to, but he does fit the offensive scheme. Andy Dalton is another option and Pittsburgh would know the most about him, but the chances are slim that he comes to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will need a capable passer who is mobile and can read a defense to quarterback their offense for the 2022 season. It’s still a guessing game on what the Steelers will do but myself and other fans are pulling to draft one, whether it’s Pickett, Ridder, or Strong.