While the Steelers will be looking for their next franchise quarterback next season, these four options should all be avoided by the team.
The Steelers are just starting their hunt for their next great franchise quarterback, and while a new name will almost certainly be added to this group, there are some that just don’t make sense.
No matter if they would need to sign them, trade for them, or draft them, these four quarterbacks the least amount of sense for the team. They shouldn’t be pursued or added by the Steelers this offseason.
Steelers should avoid Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater is the definition of a safe quarterback. He isn’t going to win you many games on his own, but he is a smart and efficient player that can lead an offense when all things are going well.
Just look at the Broncos from earlier in the season. They were off to a hot start before they faltered down the stretch. Bridgewater was a fine quarterback during that time, but again, he wasn’t winning the team’s games on his own.
While his contract will be sizable but not elite (I would guess in the 20-25 million range), the issue with him comes with his injuries. Bridgewater has had quite a few notable injuries over the years. Behind a sturdy offensive line, this shouldn’t be a huge deal. That said, the Steelers line is a mess still. Bridgewater would be running for his life and a few bad hits would lead to him exiting. He would be a fine transitional quarterback, but the way this offense is built right now, he would be a bad choice for the team.
Steelers should avoid Strong
A name that I have a love-hate relationship with, Carson Strong has all the makings of a first-round quarterback… if this was 2005. He was uber-productive in college and easily has the best arm talent of the upcoming class of quarterbacks. Unfortunately, he has the mobility of a quarterback that was drafted in 2005, as he can barely move around in the pocket. While you don’t have to be a running threat to succeed at quarterback, Strong struggles to even move and get out of pressure.
In order for him to be successful, I genuinely think he needs to go to a team with a powerful running game and an elite line (like the Titans). While the Steelers can structure their offense around him, their line once again becomes the main issue. Strong would suddenly be swarmed with pressure and he wouldn’t have the mobility to extend the play. It wouldn’t work with the current setup of the team.
Even if they did do enough with their line to make Strong a viable quarterback, long-term there would still be issues. Unless the team runs an extremely old-school, pro-style offense then Strong will likely not be a great success. That is limiting the offense going forward just to make a quarterback fit. Strong needs to go to the right situation to be taken advantage of, and frankly, the Steelers aren’t that team right now.
Steelers should avoid Winston
Jameis Winston enters a different tier of quarterback than the previous two options. While he struggles with inconsistencies, he actually checks the boxes off for what you would want in a potential franchise guy. He can move around and make plays with his feet if needed and he also has an incredible arm. While his decision-making is suspect, he has the physical traits to be a quality starter.
He showed that early this season with the Saints, as he was one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league early on. While that faded a bit and he eventually got injured, Winston will still be an extremely hot name this offseason. That will lead to him getting paid and paid well. I’d expect a free agency deal akin to what Kirk Cousins got a few years ago: one that makes him a top-paid quarterback and is filled with guarantees.
Frankly, I don’t want the Steelers making that kind of an investment when this team isn’t set up to win. While I think Winston can be an effective quarterback, I’m not willing to risk giving him a big deal on a team that isn’t ready to help him. Those resources can be better spent elsewhere. Building up the roster and then finding the quarterback makes sense. A big deal for Winston hampers that, unfortunately.
Steelers should avoid Rodgers
In the heart of every Steelers fan since Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin shared a smile this season, him joining the team is complete fantasy. While it would be incredible to get a quarterback like Rodgers, a deal doesn’t make sense for either party. Even trying to pursue this deal right now is nonsensical.
From the Steelers’ perspective, adding Rodgers would be insanely expensive. Not only is his cap hit high, but the actual compensation to trade for him would be obscene. You’re talking about multiple first-round picks plus a few days two picks added in as well. As for Rodgers, he would want to go to a team set to compete. After dedicating that many resources to a quarterback, they wouldn’t be able to build a better roster. If he couldn’t get to the Super Bowl with the Packers roster, he certainly won’t get there with the Steelers.
While adding a quarterback of Rodgers caliber would hide some of the deficiencies that this team has, it wouldn’t be enough to make them a legit contender. By the time they addressed their needs following losing draft picks and cap space, Rodgers would be retiring. If the team had a more stable line and a defense that wasn’t filled with holes, this would be another story. Unfortunately, Rodgers to the Steelers makes little sense right now.
While the Steelers will almost certainly add a new quarterback to their room in 2022, some names make more sense than others. In particular, these four options are unrealistic solutions for a variety of reasons right now. Keep an eye on who they ultimately do add, but don’t expect it to be one of these players.