The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up an extremely successful 2023 NFL Draft. They addressed seemingly every position of need, with one exception: third-string quarterback. With the team already voicing their confidence in Mitchell Trubisky as the backup to Kenny Pickett, Omar Khan and the front office did not find it necessary to spend one of their draft picks on the position. Below you will find a list of three possible options the team should consider at backup quarterback.
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Steelers QB Kenny Pickett And Mitch Trubisky During A Game In 2022
Tanner Morgan: UDFA Recently Signed By The Steelers
While the Steelers did not draft a quarterback, they were able to add Tanner Morgan as an undrafted free agent. During his five seasons at the University of Minnesota, he amassed over 9,000 career passing yards and 65 touchdowns.
Morgan is far from an explosive athlete and does not possess overly impressive arm strength. However, he is comfortable with throwing from the pocket and has experience in running RPO concepts.
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Steeler's New UDFA Quarterback, Tanner Morgan
His scouting report from The Draft Network can be found below.
Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan projects as a potential career backup quarterback in the right system and in the right environment. He does not have top-end physical skills but has illustrated some likable qualities as a passer that help him to mask his low ceiling and play effectively with timing."
Ben DiNucci: Could The XFL Star Re-Invent Himself With The Steelers?
Ben DiNucci was originally a seventh-round pick out of James Madison University during the 2020 Draft. He spent his first three seasons at the University of Pittsburgh where he was teammates with Pickett. Apart from the Pittsburgh connection, DiNucci could be an intriguing option at QB3 for the Steelers, as he has been one of the most electrifying players in the XFL this season.
Ben DiNucci to Jahcour Pearson never gets old. Whether or not the @XFLSeaDragons make the postseason, this connection has been absolutely electric in the @XFL2023 this season.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 24, 2023
Both these guys should be in NFL camps soon. #XFL | @B_DiNucci6 | @JayPeeezyy pic.twitter.com/S4ugd0EBxf
During his ongoing 2023 campaign with the Seattle Sea Dragons, DiNucci has compiled over 2,600 yards passing to go along with 20 touchdowns and led his team to an overall record of 7-3. He has demonstrated an ability to make NFL-type throws and has decent-enough mobility to be a legitimate option for the Steelers at quarterback.
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Former Seventh-Round Pick, Ben DiNucci May Be An Option At QB3 For The Steelers
Brandon Allen: Could The Steelers End Up With The Former Cincinnati Bengals' QB?
Brandon Allen has spent the past three seasons in the AFC North as Joe Burrow's backup in Cincinnati. Could the Steelers potentially consider bringing him in due to his familiarity within the division? It's certainly possible as he would be an inexpensive signing who could help round out the quarterback room with Pickett and Trubisky.
Tee Higgins with the TD catch of the day 🤯
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 27, 2020
Dime from Brandon Allen.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/8AIzazrar7
Over the course of his four-year career with the Bengals and Denver Broncos, Allen has nine career starts, including a 10-6 touchdown to interception ratio. He has impressive arm strength and possesses the ability to hang tough in the pocket.
After serving as the primary backup to Burrow, he is more than capable of being the third-string quarterback for the Steelers. Should Khan decide to bring in Allen, Trubisky may not be the sure-fire number-two quarterback in Pittsburgh next season.
ALBERT CESARE - USA TODAY SPORTS
Former Bengals' QB, Brandon Allen Has Proven To Be A Quality Backup
Other Options At Backup Quarterback
While the list of names of remaining free agent quarterbacks is far from stellar, two additional names to keep an eye on are Bryce Perkins, formally of the Los Angeles Rams, and Brett Rypien, who last played for the Broncos. Both of these players would be cheap options at quarterback who have experience in playing at the NFL level.
How do you feel about the Steelers' decision to not add a quarterback during the 2023 NFL Draft? Do you view Morgan as a legitimate candidate to make the roster? How about DiNucci or Allen? Let us know in the comments!
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