It would have once seemed crazy if someone told the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base that their team would be searching for a quarterback to draft in 2024. Unfortunately, that may be the reality. Kenny Pickett has not had a good two years to start his career, Mitch Trubisky very well may be a cap casualty, and Mason Rudolph will enter free agency for the second offseason in a row. The organization could enter the new league year in 2024 with only one quarterback from the 2023 53-man roster remaining. It's always possible to bring in a reliable backup in free agency, but that might not be the case.
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Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) throws a football during warmups prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The term backup there is used loosely. Pickett may find himself in a quarterback competition if the front office and coaching staff isn't convinced that Pickett is the future at the position for the franchise. It will be a crucial decision and there are plenty of projectable signal-callers that are expected to be available in the draft once April rolls around. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye will be out of reach, but the Steelers could have the opportunity to select any of the others.
The big decision that comes into play is when to go after a quarterback. The Brock Purdy's of the world certainly don't grow on trees, and while successful NFL players at the position don't always historically go in the first round, the question becomes if Pittsburgh wants to invest in Pickett's replacement, or take a shot in the dark with someone in the mid-to-late rounds. It seems like the former may be more likely after the Steelers' December and some interesting names come to mind.
1.) Jayden Daniels, LSU
Jayden Daniels had a career year at Louisiana State University. He is going to be a borderline top 10 selection and Pittsburgh could potentially be in that range or have the ability to trade up if they continue to lose in 2023. The Heisman Trophy winner is not playing in his team's bowl game to avoid any potential injury as he prepares for professional football.
Daniels was electrifying in 2023. He threw for over 3,800 yards and managed to pass for 40 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. On top of that, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and found the end zone 10 times with his legs. He has been compared to Lamar Jackson and has the traits that are needed to succeed in today's NFL. He's an incredible athlete with a rocket of an arm. It'd be unlike the Steelers to go after him, but desperate times may cause for desperate measures.
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Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (#5) drops back to pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
2.) Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Another player with tons of experience is Michael Penix Jr. coming out of the University of Washington. He may be a more realistic option compared to Daniels because he currently projects as an early-to-mid second-rounder. He has been around college football since his freshman year at Indiana University back in 2018. Pittsburgh has glaring needs all over their roster and if a first-round pick is used on a different position, Penix Jr. could come into play.
He has thrown for over 8,800 yards during his two seasons at Washington, while throwing for 64 passing touchdowns in the same timeframe. As a left hander, it could also open the door for Broderick Jones to remain at right tackle considering the success he has had since taking over the starting job in 2023. Penix sees the field very well and is known as a great decision-maker on the football field. He's definitely a name to keep an eye on.
3.) Bo Nix, Oregon
There are mixed reviews on University of Oregon quarterback, Bo Nix. He has been compared to Derek Carr and many said the same thing about Pickett in 2022. There's no doubt he can light up the box score, however. His 2023 campaign saw him throw for 4,145 yards, 40 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He transferred to Oregon after playing at Auburn for three seasons and has been much better with the Ducks.
He will need a creative play-caller, something that will also be on the Steelers' to-do list in the 2024 offseason. His potential path to Pittsburgh probably isn't in the first round, unless the Steelers win out and end up with a pick in the low-to-mid 20s. Even then, a quick drop to the second round is probably the more realistic expectation if Steeler Nation is on board with him coming to the Steel City.
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Oregon Ducks quarterback, Bo Nix (#10) prepares to make a throw during a college football game.
4.) J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
J.J. McCarthy is currently preparing to play in the College Football Playoff, but will be a sought-after quarterback in 2024. Because of Michigan's stout rushing attack, his skills as a passer haven't been as emphasized as some of the other signal-callers in his draft class. He is more of tradition pocket passer, but his experience winning and playing under quarterback guru, Jim Harbaugh, will be attractive for NFL teams.
Out of the four that could potentially go in round one (aside from Williams and Maye), McCarthy to Pittsburgh probably doesn't make as much sense. However, if the team likes him during the draft process, he could also be a second or third round target.
Steelers Facing Critical Quarterback Decision
It's quite possible that the Steelers hold onto that sense of loyalty that they are known for. Pickett could get one full year under a new offensive coordinator not named Matt Canada and a veteran backup could be brought in to be the second-string. If that's not the plan, though, drafting a quarterback in the later rounds doesn't make too much since given the need for the position in the NFL. Don't be surprised if the Steelers are meeting with the four guys above during the draft process.
Do you think it's time for Pittsburgh to give up on Pickett? Let us know in the comments below!
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