Steelers Will Look Into Big Name QB In 2024 NFL Draft With…

admin | December 16, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

People close to the Pittsburgh Steelers believed Kenny Pickett was the long-term answer at quarterback coming into the 2023 NFL season.

He had just finished a rookie season in which he improved in each of his 12 starts. This summer, stories began to circulate that Pickett had improved and appeared even better. All of this led up to Pickett’s near-perfect preseason performance, although in limited play.

Unfortunately, none of that appears to have carried over to the regular season. Pickett has passed for 2,070 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions in 12 games this season. While he’s done an excellent job of reducing turnovers, it hasn’t been enough. It has raised doubts about Pittsburgh’s future, and some are already wondering if the Steelers should look for a new quarterback. When Peter King of NBC Sports appeared on The Cook & Joe Show earlier this week, he had a specific name in mind for the Steelers.

“Let’s say Bo Nix is there when the Steelers pick and they love Bo Nix, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to take him at all. But I think the overriding thing I would do, that I would absolutely make sure I do, is that I’d tell Kenny Pickett, ‘Your career as a Steeler isn’t over, but you now have to fight for your job.’ I’d have no preconceived notions, let the best quarterback win.”

If you haven’t heard of Nix, he just finished a fantastic senior season at the University of Oregon. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting with 4,145 throwing yards and 46 total touchdowns. It was a fitting conclusion to his five-year college career, which he spent alternating between Oregon and Auburn. Nix will be 24 years old by the time the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around, just a few months older than Pickett was when he was picked.

Pickett’s age was an issue when he graduated from college, and it’s probable that Nix’s will be as well. But, thanks to his development at Oregon, he’s now a first-round draft pick. The top of the 2024 NFL Draft is stocked with elite quarterbacks, led by Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. Unfortunately, the Steelers’ record will be insufficient to land one of those players with a top-five choice.

What Should The Steelers Do At Quarterback This Offseason?

Pickett is shrouded in mystery, as he should be. That being said, this does not appear to be the best option for the Steelers. They might pursue veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency on a short-term basis, though he is likely to remain with the Minnesota Vikings at this time. If Pittsburgh decided to bring in a younger, more talented player, Justin Fields’ name will be included in trade speculations for the foreseeable future.

Given the franchise’s track record, Pickett will most certainly be given another year or two. In all fairness to him, he should be given another shot. As we all know, the coaching staff that has surrounded him has not exactly put him in the best position to succeed. This offseason, Pittsburgh will have the opportunity to choose a better offensive coordinator, which should put Pickett in a better position to succeed.

Finally, all of this points to Nix’s lack of relevance in Pittsburgh. He’s only a year younger than Pickett, and the Steelers don’t think his total upside is worth it. Instead, they can use their draft picks to bolster the trenches even more or to acquire another spectacular playmaker.