3 reasons the Steelers will not draft their future quarterback this year

3. This year’s draft isn’t the only place to find a quarterback

According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Steelers have expressed interest in three of the available quarterbacks on free agency, and those three are Jameis Winston, Mitchell Trubisky, and Teddy Bridgewater. Winston presents an interesting option as he has shown flashes of high upside in the past as a starter, and appeared to finally figure out how to cut down on the turnovers last season in New Orleans. If he can return from injury and look like he did last season, he could be a solid option at quarterback, not only next season but potentially beyond, as he is still only 28 years old

While Bridgewater doesn’t appear to be anything more than a stopgap option, Trubisky does present an intriguing case. Trubisky was the second overall pick not too long ago and was part of a system that managed to make Allen Robinson irrelevant last year in Chicago. Trubisky will also be 28 this season, and with a season under his belt learning behind Josh Allen, and a change of scenery, he could still be a starting quarterback in the league with some upside and some mobility.

However, free agency is not the only place that the Steelers can find a quarterback. There are plenty of quarterbacks potentially available on the trade market, particularly:  Deshaun Watson, and Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo could be a fine starter for Pittsburgh but wouldn’t elevate them above what they were this season, so he makes less sense since they can get free agents who will do the same without trading a piece to get him.

The one name that could be the most intriguing to Pittsburgh is Watson, as his youth and talent make him very appealing as a starting quarterback. However, he has plenty of off-field concerns that have yet to be sorted out, so trading for him could be a risk and could take him off Pittsburgh’s radar entirely.

Finally, there is the draft next year that can also be the route the Steelers go for their quarterback. Quarterbacks such as Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Spencer Rattler, and others could be available and very well could be better prospects than this year’s draft prospects. Meanwhile, the Steelers could sign a stopgap free agent like Bridgewater or Tyrod Taylor to compete with Mason Rudolph for this year, while they wait for next year’s draft.

Clearly, the Steelers have plenty of other options for the quarterback position, and with the top two guys in this class not being available at 20, the Steelers should pursue these other options when it comes to quarterback. While I personally think waiting until next year to draft one could be the best course of action, the free agency and trade ideas are also worth pursuing. The NFL Scouting Combine and Free Agency are fast approaching, and they will give more clarity to where the Steelers are at.