The Steelers (9-7) appear to be caught in quarterback purgatory after beginning all three of their QBs this season. Will Pittsburgh get out or stay caught in its outdated methods? Listed below are 5 gamers who could possibly be the workforce’s starter come 2024.
1. Kenny Pickett, Steelers
Sure, the most probably consequence would be the Steelers refusing to maneuver on from their 2022 first-round decide and naming him their starter as soon as once more subsequent season. Pickett, who’s at the moment the QB2 behind Mason Rudolph, has had 25 video games to show he’s the way forward for the franchise. However he has not been ready to take action, throwing for simply 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
The 25-year-old has led a number of fourth-quarter comebacks via his first two years however that ought to be extra of a credit score to move coach Mike Tomlin, who at all times appears to win shut video games. If Pittsburgh sticks with Pickett, it can remorse its choice and discover itself in an identical place this time subsequent season.
2. Mason Rudolph, Steelers
Rudolph has been the largest shock on the Steelers this yr. Many had given up on Pittsburgh’s third-round decide in 2018. However the six-year veteran has revived his profession, throwing for 564 yards and two touchdowns on the workforce’s two-game win streak. He was named the starter as soon as once more as he has the offense averaging 32 factors per sport.
The draw back, nevertheless, is that Rudolph shall be 29 by the beginning of the 2024 season. That does not imply his profession is washed, however the Steelers must reside with themselves for losing him on the bench for the previous few years. It might be a tricky tablet to swallow, but when Rudolph leads them to the playoffs, the workforce should take into account using him into 2024.
3. Justin Fields, Bears
The Bears (7-9) formally personal the No. 1 total decide within the 2024 NFL Draft due to their commerce with the Carolina Panthers (2-14) final offseason. They now have the tough choice between sticking with Fields or drafting USC QB Caleb Williams, who’s the favourite to listen to his identify known as first within the 2024 NFL Draft.
If Chicago opts to have a contemporary begin at quarterback, Pittsburgh ought to run to the cellphone to commerce for the dynamic quarterback. Fields has 4,656 yards and 33 touchdowns via the air and 1,773 yards and 12 touchdowns on the bottom over the previous two years. The 24-year-old would immediately improve the Steelers QB room in 2024.
4. Kirk Cousins, Vikings
If Pittsburgh would not need to spend any of its draft capital on buying a veteran, Cousins could possibly be the proper free-agent addition. The 35-year-old is anticipated to hit the open market after struggling a torn Achilles in Week 8. If he returns to full well being, he might assist the Steelers win now.
Cousins has been one of many league’s high passers, passing for 15,364 yards, 115 touchdowns and 39 interceptions from 2020-23. He is seen extra days within the NFL than he will forward, however he would assist Pittsburgh’s different ageing stars battle for a Tremendous Bowl earlier than they retire as properly.
5. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
The 2024 NFL Draft class is wealthy with quarterback expertise, which is why it is the proper time for the Steelers to chop their losses and spend money on one other younger faculty star. They’d have the No. 18 total decide if the season have been to finish at present. That may nonetheless put them in an amazing spot to get one of many top-five quarterbacks.
USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye will probably be lengthy passed by then. However Penix Jr., who ranks the fifth-best quarterback and No. 30 total prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big board, could possibly be a viable possibility. The Heisman runner-up has impressed all season with 4,648 passing yards and 35 touchdowns on the yr and constructed upon his resume with the Huskies’ Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal win over Texas.
He might very properly stand up draft boards by April, however LSU’s Jayden Daniels (No. 20) and Oregon’s Bo Nix (No. 25) could be nice choices as properly.
