Off Season Primer: Quarterback

[Steeldrama]

Free Agent Route (Brutal list):

• Aaron Rodgers- I will not miss Tomlin pounding his man boobs and blowing kisses to the camera with sCam and AA-Rod on either side of him. I didn’t think McCarthy and Rodgers ended on good terms in Green Bay, but apparently there’s a real chance Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh. Rodgers CLEARLY did not want any part of getting hit last season. Playing scared like that SHOULD tell Aaron it’s time to hang them up, BUT I think he’s the leader in the clubhouse to be the starting qb of your beloved Steelers for the 2026 season (Vikings very much in play as well).

• Malik Willis- Played well filling in for Jordan Love. Someone will overpay for him, hopefully it’s not the Steelers. We can bring back Kenny Pickett if you prefer. He’s free too. What an awful QB class that was. YOU SUCK, Tomlin!

• Daniel Jones- Danny Dimes was a bit of a revelation in Indy until his achilles blew. Sounds like the Colts want him back which is fine by me, but if NHALS and a playoff win are the goal he could at least merit a phone call.

• Joe Flacco- Likely to be the starter for my transplant hometown Falcons until Penix returns from yet another knee injury given his relationship with Kevin Stefanski. A veteran like Flacco could be an option should Will Howard begin the season as the starter (good scenario for those rooting for losses).

• Trey Lance- Shanny and Purdy saved jobs after this disaster of a trade. Rode the pine for McCarthy in Big D before doing the same for cheatin’ Jimmy Harbs out in LA this past season.

Trade and Release Candidates:

• Tua- Yeah I’d cry too. Was in the house for Burrow vs Tua over in T-Town way back when. Fun game but was quite clear Tua wasn’t a franchise qb. With his history of head injuries, I’d recommend retiring before playing behind the Steelers’ OL.

• Kyler Murray- I’ll pass, but I admittedly enjoy watching this little fella run around out there. Rumors are just that, but it would appear Kyler lacks the necessary commitment to becoming a winning NFL quarterback.

• Justin Fields- Just seeing if you’re still reading. Rumor is Jets will release him.

• Kirk Cousins- This one feels like option 1B should Rodgers not return. Falcons restructured his contract so they could release him pre- March 11th with a smaller cap hit. No more savvy money maker than Kirko, he won’t come cheap.

• Mac Jones- Not near the comeback story of Super Bowl Champ Sam Darnold, but ‘ol Mac here, played quite well in place of Brock Purdy. Too valuable to trade, but teams will inquire.

• Geno Smith- Had a couple nice seasons for crooked nosed Pete out in Seattle, but their reunion in Vegas was like a bad Hangover sequel. Someone will pay him to be their bridge QB, hopefully not your Steelers.

• Joe Burrow- Kind of a strange cat so I’m glad the Steelers wouldn’t be a viable trade partner even if rumors of a trade were legit. Given his lengthy injury history, Burrow no longer appears to enjoy playing football so an early retirement should come as a surprise to no one.

• CJ Stroud- Career trending steadily downward since his promising rookie year. Shit the bed in the wildcard round against your beloved Steelers, yet STILL sent Coach T to the couch a loser. YOU SUCK, Tomlin! No, I wouldn’t pay the price for CJ, but I might shoot a text to Nick Caserio inquiring about Davis Mills.

• Deshaun Watson- Speaking of Texans, Will the Browns ever cut bait from this disaster?

• Anthony Richardson- Speaking of disasters. Such a stud athlete, but only 13 college football starts should’ve been a red flag. Steelers should leave this type of reclamation project to the Shannys and McVays.

• Bo Nix- Seemed to be some post playoff tension after Payton spoke to the media about Bo’s ankle injury. Classify a trade for Bo as wishful thinking on my part since I’ve been a fan of Nix’s Houdini act since his days at Auburn.

• Tanner Mckee- the ESPN proposed trade of Nick Herbig for Mckee set me off. Not because it was a dumb idea, but because somebody actually got PAID to write that dumb idea.

• Spencer Rattler- The Saints appear to have their man in Tyler Shough. Rattler there for the taking, but I’d much prefer someone else take him.

• Joe Milton- Again, Mike McCarthy might have some insight here.

Draft (So not the year to need a QB):

• Heismendoza- I’m a fan of all things Indiana. What a story. Seems like a nice fella. Raiduhs such a horrible organization. Hope for Fernando’s sake Clint Kubiak is legit.

• Ty Simpson Roll Tide- “I’m Ty Simpson who the hell are you?” I’ll be the guy shopping for a new TV if you’re announced as the Steelers 1st round pick in front of half a million screaming drunk yinzers gathered in dahntahn Pittsburgh. Brace yourself. It COULD happen.

• Cole Payton North Dakota State- Lotta draft buzz around this Bison. Could sneak into the day 2 conversation if he impresses at Indy. Played some running back up in Fargo while waiting his turn to play QB. Dig him.

• Garrett Nussmeier LSU- Dad was McCarthy’s QB coach in Dallas. Kid survived the Brian Kelly experience so some mental toughness to work with here, but some physical limitations. If Big Mike wants him, he'll grab him late Friday night hopefully when the record crowd is good and hammered.

• Drew Allar Penn Stater- Again, might want to brace yourself for this one.

• Carson Beck Miami- Once upon time potential top pick in the draft never lived up to that lofty billing. Doesn’t appear to have an NFL arm after elbow surgery last season. Should get drafted mid day 3, but hopefully not by your Steelers.

• Taylen Green Hogs- A raw talent like this needs a lot of coaching. This type of pick doesn’t seem to mesh with NHALS and that elusive playoff win, but I’m all for a day 3 dart throw on upside.

• Cade Klubnik Clemson- Another once upon a time potential 1st rounder that the Steelers could throw a day 3 dart at.

• Haynes King GA Tech- Fantastic FOOTBALL player that might one day make a good coach.

• Diego Pavia Vandy- The yinzer reaction to this pick would almost be worth it. Big fan of the Vandy turn around, but character (and size) matters.

Thanks as always for reading. Please comment on the quarterbacks you like and those you don’t (and add any qbs I failed to mention). Sure wish the Steelers had some viable solutions to their ongoing problem at the most important position in sports. Good luck with that, Mike.

[jebrick]

Great list.

Colts fans have floated trading AR and I keep asking "As a TE?" I think the Steelers could get him for a 7th and a warm 6 pack of IC.

I'm hoping that some team in front of the Steelers takes Simpson off the draft board.(Jets, I'm looking at you). Have to count on the Jets to do anything is already bad.

They are going to sign or trade for a QB if the mediocrity is to be upheld. no way they will even have a look at Howard. While Tomlin was still coach, I all but penciled in K. Murray as the next Steeler QB. Still might happen.

I can easily see Nuss as a Steeler draft pick. Hopefully in the 3rd if they do it. I will still be pissed.

[Jobu]

I’m still fully expecting the Steelers to draft Drew Allar. And if you all are being honest with yourself, you are too!

[Steelafan77]

Thanks for your effort Drama, much appreciated.

Of this very good list, I can see Fields brought in to compete with Bibberty and Howard.

As much as fans want the team to play Howard it’s more of a wish than it will be reality. Howard isn’t seen as the answer.

The rest of the list is absolutely scary. Especially tua, Murray which the talking heads keep trying to force. I guess if it’s said enough?

As I understand it Richardson is high risk low reward ceiling. I expect D. Jones to stay in Indy. He may not be healthy enough till week 10 anyway.

That all said, no one on that list excites any of us; M. Jones perhaps? Would there be a similar QB friendly environment that supports him?

If by some miracle they don’t over draft Simpson or some other early dark horse QB A 3rd day dart should be the plan. Green, Payton, Strand.

At the end of the day QB’s like Willis, Richardson, Fields, Tua, Murray have to be happy with the lack of QB depth in this draft.

Because this is such a weak draft class it’s created a decent market for all these about washed has beens.

At the end of the day any QB in free agency is a mistake, IMO. I want nothing to do with Cousins, Rodgers, Flacco or any other ancient player.

It’s obviously not up to us fans so we will have to buckle up and hang on for the ride….

Thanks again Drama.

[Charles Demarr]

I’m still fully expecting the Steelers to draft Drew Allar. And if you all are being honest with yourself, you are too!

Agree Jobu...it's inevitable.

[cop1211]

Im hoping that they don’t go after any QB this season.

Try to trade Watt or Highsmith by the deadline for picks in 27.