/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66726683/1161573879.jpg.0.jpg)
For the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base, there was a recent infatuation among the masses over free agent quarterback Jameis Winston. Well, to be accurate, not just Winston but any veteran free agent quarterback who could play behind Ben Roethlisberger.
After the 2019 season, Pittsburgh fans got to see first-hand what life without Roethlisberger would look like. After leaving the Week 2 game vs. the Seattle Seahawks with a season-ending elbow injury, Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges failed to produce enough to get the team to the postseason.
It made sense for the Steelers to explore veteran options at quarterback, hence why many were comfortable with the rumors of the team putting their feelers out regarding bringing in a player with experience who could keep the ship afloat if Roethlisberger were lost for any significant amount of time in 2020.
Think another Charlie Batch...
But, as it turns out, the Steelers didn’t make an offer to a veteran quarterback, and that includes Jameis Winston. Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert was on 93.7 The Fan admitted the Steelers never made a move for another quarterback to add to their depth chart.
GM Kevin Colbert just told @FanMorningShow Steelers did not make an offer to a veteran QB
— Eric Hagman (@esh714) April 29, 2020
While the thought of a quarterback makes sense from a football standpoint, from a logistics standpoint it certainly is flawed. A player like Winston is going to request top dollar, and guaranteed money, both of which the Steelers simply don’t have. The team has made moves, but at positions which they deem to be more in need compared to backup quarterback.
The Steelers didn’t have many options, financially, for a quarterback who could be viewed as an upgrade over the quarterbacks they have on their roster, including Paxton Lynch. In my opinion, if the Steelers lose Roethlisberger for the season again, the season is likely over before it started. However, the true question is if Roethlisberger were to be lost for 4 games, could Rudolph, or another quarterback on the roster, win 3 of those games until No. 7 returns?
After 2019 it is natural to have your doubts when answering that question.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for the 2020 regular season and schedule release coming next week.