Steelers Face Quarterback Conundrum in Offseason
As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate the aftermath of their playoff exit at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens during the Wild Card Weekend, all eyes are on the team's quarterback situation. For head coach Mike Tomlin, the offseason presents a unique challenge: rebuilding a quarterback roster from scratch. “We don't have a quarterback under contract and so we've got some major discussions there,” Tomlin admitted, highlighting the pivotal decision-making ahead for the franchise.
Skylar Thompson Joins the Mix
One of the latest additions to the Steelers' roster is Skylar Thompson, a veteran quarterback who initially made his mark with the Miami Dolphins. Selected as a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thompson found himself stepping up due to Tua Tagovailoa's concussion-related absence. Despite a relatively modest career start, with a completion rate of 58.7% and a passer rating of 66.1, the Steelers are looking at Thompson through the lens of his potential for growth.
Evaluating the Options
Interestingly, the Steelers' interest isn't limited to Thompson alone. The team has previously acquired both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who are now poised to explore free agency. At a time when Kyle Allen's contract is expiring and no quarterback remains under contract, the Steelers are scanning both available veterans and emerging talents in the upcoming draft. “It was a really good experience with the three quarterbacks that were on our roster this year, individually and collectively. We are certainly open to considering those guys, but there's a lot of work ahead of us,” Tomlin stated, reflecting on the multifaceted nature of the quarterback search.
Navigating Free Agency and the Draft
The Steelers' offseason strategy will focus on thoroughly understanding their options. According to Tomlin, the process will involve, “analyzing what the field looks like in terms of both free agency and the draft,” setting the stage for strategic assessments that could redefine their lineup. For the Steelers' faithful, who are eager for a return to playoff glory, these decisions carry significant weight.
As the football world anticipates the next steps, the Steelers face the challenge of crafting a quarterback lineup that not only addresses their immediate needs but also sets the foundation for future success. With free agency and draft prospects on the horizon, the coming months promise to be crucial in shaping the Steelers' return to prominence.