The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room underwent a complete overhaul during the 2023 offseason. None of the quarterbacks who saw game action last season remain with the team. Pittsburgh signed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum and also traded for Justin Fields.
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Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields meet on the field following a professional football matchup at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.
They added Kyle Allen, likely to serve as the third-string quarterback, and signed undrafted free agent John Rhys Plumlee. With these additions, the Steelers are well-stocked at the quarterback position, with Wilson expected to be the starter in 2024. Fields will have the opportunity to compete for the starting role.
On Tuesday, Aaron Wilson reported that the Steelers are bringing in former Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci for a workout ahead of training camp.
#Steelers bring in former Broncos quarterback Ben DiNucci for a workout per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 23, 2024
The precise reason behind Pittsburgh’s decision to workout DiNucci remains unclear. However, it is evident that the Steelers are thoroughly exploring every opportunity to solidify their quarterback room. DiNucci, who began his college career at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to James Madison to complete his college tenure, has a interesting history that might excite the Steelers.
Ben DiNucci delivers the Cowboys first TD of 2021 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Lz8Wp0jnBG
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) August 14, 2021
DiNucci was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. During his rookie season, he saw action in three games, starting one. He completed 53.5% of his passes for 219 yards without throwing any touchdowns or interceptions. The Cowboys waived him on August 30, 2022.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Pitt quarterback Ben DiNucci runs with the football during a college game.
Following his release, DiNucci was drafted by the Seattle Sea Dragons in the 2023 XFL Draft. As the Sea Dragons' starting quarterback, he excelled, leading the team to a 7-3 record and a playoff spot while topping the XFL in passing yards for the season.
BEN DINUCCI!
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) February 20, 2023
JOSH GORDON!!!
THE XFL IS BACK BACK!!!! pic.twitter.com/FIykg5OP0R
His strong performance was capped by his release from the Sea Dragons' contract on May 15, 2023. Just one day after, he signed with the Broncos following a successful rookie minicamp tryout. However, his stint with the Broncos was short-lived, as he was waived on May 8, 2024.
Steelers Working Out Former XFL Star Ben DiNucci
Now, DiNucci finds himself working out with the Steelers as he seeks another chance to secure an NFL roster spot. With the Steelers reporting to training camp on Wednesday, this workout is likely to be a swift evaluation. The Steelers are potentially motivated to assess DiNucci’s fit due to recent developments, including the drafting of Plumlee with the third pick in the UFL Draft. This move could jeopardize their undrafted free agent’s position, prompting them to explore all available options.
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Former Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci runs off the field after a game on the road.
Although DiNucci’s prospects from this workout might seem limited, his prior connection to Pittsburgh and his recent strong performances in the XFL could make him a viable candidate for a practice squad role. As training camp approaches, Steelers fans will be watching closely to see how this latest evaluation unfolds and whether it leads to an unlikely roster spot for the journeyman quarterback.
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