What a reunion it would be if either Javon Hargrave or Bud Dupree returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. Unfortunately, especially for Hargrave, the chances of that happening are extremely slim. Dupree has more of a chance if he's willing to take a backup role behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, but there are other former members of the organization that will hit the open market once free agency begins. The team needs are rather obvious, but an underrated necessary role will be that of the third string quarterback. A late-round selection is an option, but what about bringing back a familiar face?
Steelers backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky (#10) looks on at 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield Steeler Nation / (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Pittsburgh has been very adamant about keeping backup quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky around for this year (and maybe many more?). But, historically the organization likes to have three signal-callers on the 53-man roster. It's hard to imagine a rookie would be better for the growth of Pickett going forward, so who would be an inexpensive option at #3?
Joshua Dobbs got his first real starting experience for the Tennessee Titans during the end of the 2022 season. While he wasn't magnificent, he is absolutely going to be on a roster in 2023. His intelligence combined with experience playing behind future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger are important things to factor into a decision to try and bring him back.
He had an 0-2 record in Tennessee, but showed that he still belongs at the professional level. Having two veterans in Trubisky and Dobbs could be very important when it comes to Pickett's development. Dobbs also spent time in Pittsburgh since Matt Canada was promoted to the offensive coordinator position and the scheme won't be too hard for him to pick up at all.
Steelers quarterbacks Josh Dobbs (#5) and Mason Rudolph (#2) look on together during a practice. | Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
There are many other options out there when it comes to the free agency market and quarterbacks. The issue is a good majority of them will accept a #2 spot at the very best. If the Steelers are unequivocally staying with Trubisky, the third-string needs to be okay with his role and be willing to contribute in whatever positive way the team needs him to.
That's why it is so easy to go back to Dobbs. A fourth-round pick to Pittsburgh back in 2017, he would get reunited with the franchise he has spent most of his career with and be involved in the day to day. Some may believe he deserves to be a top backup elsewhere, but it's hard to buy into that given the 2023 draft class at the position along with the free agents.
It mainly comes down to what the organization wants in a third-stringer. Is it more important to conserve as much cap space as possible given Trubisky's contract and just draft someone in the seventh round? Or does the front office and coaching staff value Dobbs and his IQ enough to want him in the same room as Pickett and Trubisky?
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett makes a throw on the run during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Shouldn't Overthink QB3; Go After Someone They Already Know Fits
We are just a week away from the free agency period beginning and while Pittsburgh did meet with the occasional signal-caller at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, it would check off a box if they bring in an already experienced guy to be inactive on Sundays. Dobbs should be the guy they go after due to his familiarity and years of backup experience.
Would you want to see Dobbs return to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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