As legendary Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger was nearing the end of his career, the organization had the option to select Baltimore Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson with the 28th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The franchise selected safety, Terrell Edmunds instead and their arch nemesis picked up the elusive and explosive quarterback with the 32nd overall selection.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (#8) reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders during Monday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium. | Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
With Edmunds already gone in free agency, it's possible that neither of these players are with the same teams that drafted them in 2023 after Jackson's wild offseason in Baltimore has yet to calm down.
It's surreal to think about that if Pittsburgh took the disgruntled quarterback with #28, Roethlisberger may have been shown the door years before his actual retirement after the 2021 season. Then, the Steelers would be trying to sort out a way to pay someone $50 million a year and potentially fully guaranteed.
Jackson is an electrifying player who many think deserves the money, while others aren't necessarily sold on his ability to stay healthy and be as efficient as he needs to be as a passer. Now, in 2023, Pittsburgh has a young quarterback on a rookie deal in Kenny Pickett while the Ravens attempt to sort through a messy situation.
It's easy to believe that, between the two teams, the Steelers have the advantage and are set up for more success in the near future due to the supporting cast around Pickett and financial situation in the front office. A team insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo was adamant on Tuesday that Pittsburgh has a much better setup heading into the new season.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) signals to the offense prior to a snap against the Baltimore Ravens during a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
During a chat with fans, someone asked Fittipaldo if he would rather have Pickett or Jackson leading the offense. He was extremely complimentary of Jackson's abilities, but cautious because of his current contract situation.
"Jackson can help whatever team he is on win games when he is healthy. I don't think there is any doubt he is a better athlete than Pickett. The issue is his durability and ability to push the ball down the field as a passer. Those are two big questions, especially when it comes to whether he should command $50 million a year in salary (with apparently all of it guaranteed)."
It was seemingly a no-brainer to go with the Steelers current leader in the huddle. His talent and ability is there, but more than anything else, the benefit of have a young signal-caller on an inexpensive deal is the ultimate advantage.
"For that reason, I'd take Pickett because you can build a good team around him while he's on a rookie contract," Fittipaldo wrote.
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 Must Take Advantage Of Pickett's Rookie Deal
Pittsburgh could put themselves in a very good spot if the proper approach is taken with Pickett on his rookie deal. TJ Watt's contract on the books along with Minkah Fitzpatrick's have the team not as financially independent as one would like, but after an aggressive and productive 2023 free agency period, the Steelers need to emphasize the advantage they have and continue to build around their franchise quarterback.
Would you rather have Pickett instead of Jackson? Let us know in the comments below!
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