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The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who many consider to have a very depleted quarterback group. Ben Roethlisberger is in the waning years of his career, backup Mason Rudolph is still considered a mystery, Joshua Dobbs is an unrestricted free agent and the organization allowed Devlin Hodges’ practice squad contract to expire with the team.
This clearly means the team will be looking to add depth to their quarterback room, and the first name which popped up certainly will raise eyebrows. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Steelers are hosting former first round pick Dwayne Haskins Thursday.
Former Washington Football Team QB Dwayne Haskins has a visit with the #Steelers today, sources say. Some potential QB depth and upside. The free agent and ex-first round pick also recently visited the #Panthers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2021
Haskins is a name many Steelers fans have had on their radar since the relationship with the Washington Football Team, and mainly head coach Ron Rivera, soured in the final weeks of the 2020 regular season. As Rapoport points out, Haskins has already visited with the Carolina Panthers with no contract offered upon the completion of the visit.
The Steelers have been known to be willing to take a chance on players who many view as damaged goods, and being able to repair Haskins both on and off the field would be a major undertaking for the Steelers. However, it should also be noted Haskins does have a tremendous amount of talent.
Haskins was the 15th overall selection of the 2019 NFL draft by the now Washington Football Team. Haskins took over the starting role in Week 9 of 2019 until an ankle injury caused his early departure in Week 16. In his rookie year, Haskins was 2-5 as a starter completing only 58.6% of his passes for seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. In his sophomore season, Haskins started the first four games of the year before losing the starting job. After several injuries to various Washington quarterbacks, Haskins started in Weeks 15 and 16, both Washington losses. With only five touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020, Haskins has a career record of 3-10.
UDPATE:
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated is stating the Steelers are expected to sign Haskins.
Sources: The Steelers are planning to sign ex-first-round QB Dwayne Haskins today. Haskins is meeting with the coaches now, and if all goes well, a deal will be hammered out.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 21, 2021
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the start of the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.