Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Former $137 Million Quarterback to Bolster Backup Ranks, a Strategic Play in the Offseason
The quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers is surrounded by uncertainty. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both unrestricted free agents this offseason, are not perceived as long-term solutions for the team.
Wilson’s Performance and Challenges
Russell Wilson started most of the season for Pittsburgh. Despite a promising beginning, the veteran’s performance declined towards the end of the regular season, raising concerns about his viability as a high-level starting quarterback.
Fields’ Emergence and Potential
Justin Fields stepped in during Wilson’s absence due to a calf injury, starting the first six games of the campaign. The former Ohio State standout displayed potential by amassing ten touchdowns against just two turnovers, achieving a commendable 4-2 record in his starts.
Offseason Strategy and Backup Quarterback Search
Should the Steelers part ways with both Wilson and Fields, general manager Omar Khan would face the daunting task of rebuilding the pivotal quarterback position from scratch. If the team opts to retain one of the two as the starter for the upcoming season, acquiring a reliable backup quarterback becomes imperative.
Jimmy Garoppolo: A Viable Backup Option
Among the pool of potential backup quarterbacks available in the market, Los Angeles Rams’ Jimmy Garoppolo emerges as a notable target for the Steelers, as highlighted by Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders. Garoppolo’s performance with the San Francisco 49ers showcased commendable accuracy, boasting a 67.2% completion rate and a solid 103.0 passer rating in 2022.
Garoppolo’s Career Trajectory
Garoppolo, who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 and an NFC Championship game in 2021, has a proven track record of success as a starter. However, recent seasons have seen him plagued by injuries, limiting his playing time and relegating him to a backup role with the Rams after a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Role of Garoppolo as a Backup
At 33 years old, Garoppolo’s days as a consistent starter may be waning, but his experience and playoff pedigree make him an attractive option as a backup quarterback. Signing Garoppolo to support Pittsburgh’s 2025 starter on a cost-effective deal could prove to be a shrewd move by Khan, leveraging the veteran’s ability to deliver wins when called upon.
Strategic Significance of Acquiring Garoppolo
While considering Garoppolo as a potential starter for the Steelers would be ill-advised, bringing him in as a seasoned backup would be a prudent decision. The veteran’s playoff experience and demonstrated ability to lead a team to victories position him as a valuable asset in bolstering Pittsburgh’s quarterback depth chart for the upcoming season.