5 free agents that the Steelers must consider signing

4. Tyrod Taylor, Quarterback

Without a doubt the biggest question mark for the Steelers this season is the quarterback position, with Ben Roethlisberger having retired. Personally, I don’t believe acquiring a big-name veteran is the way to go for Pittsburgh at the position due to the fact that the team has too many holes to make a deep playoff run anyway. However, one veteran that the team should absolutely make every effort to bring in is Tyrod Taylor.

Let me preface this by saying I do not believe that Tyrod Taylor is someone who makes the team a playoff contender, but that is not why they need to look towards signing him. Pittsburgh needs to get younger at the QB position, and thus should look towards drafting one either this season or next season, depending on who they view as their long-term answer. But, one way they could help their long-term fortunes at the position is by signing Taylor as a potential bridge option, but more importantly, as a mentor.

The Steelers have made it known that they feel they need some mobility at the quarterback position, so their next franchise quarterback will likely be athletic, and while he may not be a runner, he has to have mobility in the pocket at the very minimum.

Taylor is a mobile quarterback and can help whatever young option the team brings in either this year or next, learn how to play the position, while also showing them how to protect not only the football but also themself when running. During his time in the NFL, Taylor has proven to be a valuable mentor to several young quarterbacks in the NFL including Baker Mayfield, Justin Herbert, and Davis Mills.

Not only can a young quarterback learn behind Taylor, but also, he can help shift the style of offense the team runs in the meantime. The skill position players and offensive lineman are used to playing with Roethlisberger under center where there is a lack of mobility and letting Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins take the reigns next season would see much of the same.

Meanwhile, if Taylor were to start, they would have a mobile quarterback playing behind them which would allow them to adjust to a different style of play, while also letting Matt Canada adjust his play-calling to the type of plays he looks to employ long-term. Bringing in a veteran like Taylor would be extremely beneficial to the team long-term, and would add significant leadership to the team, for a minimal cost.