The Steelers performed a hard reset to their quarterback room his offseason with the hopes of getting some better play out of the group. Russell Wilson hopes to revitalize his career in the Steel City while Justin Fields hopes to earn a shot at showcasing franchise quarterback traits. No matter who ends up as the primary starter, the hope is for better play from a group that has been horrible over the past few seasons.
That said, there is a real chance that the Steelers don’t have their long-term solution at quarterback on their current roster. Wilson was once a top name in the league, but his stint in Denver has made many think that he is on the downswing of his career. Fields has yet to put everything together as a franchise quarterback, and unless he gives some definitive answers this year the team would be hard-pressed to see him as such.
There is a very real chance that Pittsburgh goes into next offseason with the same issues as this year. No quarterback sans John Rhys Plumlee is under contract next year, so if no one stands out, they can let everyone walk with little impact on their cap space. That would also leave the team needing a new face of the franchise once again.
While there has already been talk brewing of Dak Prescott being the target, if he were to hit free agency he would command a deal far greater than the Steelers would offer. While drafting a quarterback makes the most sense, that is easier said than done, especially when you aren’t a bottom-dwelling team. Instead, the team could look to an old foe for a potential answer.
The Patriots could be the Steelers heroes
The Patriots opted to take two quarterbacks during the draft this year. Drake Maye was their first-round pick, and he should be expected to be the guy for the foreseeable future. They also took Joe Milton late in the draft, and he is an equally intriguing player. A gifted athlete with a cannon for an arm, there is potential there even if he needs a lot of refinement.
To this point, Milton has done everything right. He has been a constant highlight in camp and looked the part in the first preseason game. No, he isn’t going to push for a starting role right away, but the Patriots are a fickle franchise with their rookies. While it is a new regime, this practice could remain in place.
Both Maye and Milton fit the mold of what the Steelers have typically looked at for a quarterback, and either could theoretically be the target for the team. Ultimately, it will be up to the Patriots and what they want to do with their room long-term.
Can Maye live up to expectations? Then he is their guy and Milton is expendable. What if Maye falters in year one and they turn to Milton, who plays ok in his place? Maye could get the Josh Rosen treatment. For a Steelers team that could very well need quarterback help again next year, a trade with the Patriots could be a path to helping out the roster.
We need to see how this season plays out, naturally, but I will be keeping a close eye on how that room performs. I think Milton or Maye could be a gamble worth taking if the opportunity presents itself to land either a year from now and if the Steelers quarterback room falls flat this year, it could be a necessary move to try and solidify the most important position in football.