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Rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback position will be constant until a few major questions are answered.
First, will Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers come to terms on a salary reducing extension?
Second, what are the Steelers plans to replace Ben Roethlisberger in the future.
Now it is possible for these questions to be answered as early as the conclusion of the 2021 NFL Draft. It’s also possible that one of these questions drags on into the 2022 offseason. However, Ed Bouchette of The Athletic suggests the former is definitely in play, and the Steelers may be eyeing a quarterback in the first round of the upcoming draft.
More from @EdBouchette: "I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers used their 1st round pick on a quarterback."
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 2, 2021
Now this isn't suggesting some Steelers insider told him the Steelers would 100% be drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 draft, but more of an opinion considering the current state of the team. I can concur with Bouchette as I would neither be surprised if the Steelers did in fact draft a quarterback with their first round pick. I would go even further to say if the right player fell, they would be willing to trade up to get him.
But for the Pittsburgh Steelers to draft a quarterback that high, it would come down to their current quarterback. If Ben Roethlisberger can convince the Steelers front office he is absolutely the guy to lead the team to a championship in the 2021 league year, then I can see the Steelers delay the inevitable drafting of a quarterback for at least another year.
Ben Roethlisberger just told me: "I don't care bout my pay at all this year!" And is willing to restructure a contract that has a $41 million cap hit for 2021 that includes $19 million in bonus and salary that can be restructured.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 28, 2021
However, If Kevin Colbert and company see the writing on the wall for Roethlisberger and the old guard of this team, the Steelers could begin the prepping for the next era of Steelers football. We already know the Steelers do not start rookies, at least not right away, and the 2022 quarterback class leaves much to be desired. So the team may see the value in drafting someone this year who's biggest knock is a lack of experience.
If the Steelers do in fact decide to go quarterback in the draft, they will have three real avenues to go about it. The following are the most likely scenarios:
No. 1 - They stay at 24 and draft Alabama’s Mac Jones.
No. 2 - They wait to select Florida’s Kyle Trask in the second round.
No. 3 - They trade up into the first round for North Dakota state’s Trey Lance.
I would absolutely trade up to 10th like CBS mock draft is suggesting for Steelers.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) January 27, 2021
Take Trey Lance and have him do what Packers are doing with Jordan Love.
Live with a QB room of Ben, Lance and Haskins and tell Rudolph to hit the road. Lance and Haskins fit Canada's system.
It is also possible the Steelers become players in the 2022 quarterback carousel, which has become a yearly affair in the NFL. The team may see their championship window is still open if they add an experienced veteran to the fold.
But what do you think? Would you surprised if the Steelers draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.
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