Steelers' 2024 QB Outlook: Considering Alternatives After Stafford's Injury

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Evaluating the Current Roster: Internal QB Options

The Steelers' current quarterback room offers a blend of experience and potential, but whether it's enough to carry the team through a successful 2024 season remains to be seen.

Kenny Pickett's Potential

Kenny Pickett, the incumbent starter, showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. However, consistency remains a key area for improvement.

• Passing Stats: While his completion percentage was respectable, his touchdown-to-interception ratio needs improvement. He needs to elevate his deep ball accuracy and minimize crucial turnovers.
• Decision-Making: Pickett occasionally exhibited questionable decision-making under pressure, leading to costly turnovers. Sharper reads and improved pocket awareness are vital for his development.
• Leadership Qualities: Reports suggest Pickett displays positive leadership qualities in the locker room, which is crucial for team morale and on-field performance.
• Potential for Improvement: With a full offseason and improved offensive line protection, Pickett has the potential to significantly improve his performance in 2024. His ceiling remains a significant point of debate, however, making the Steelers' QB future a highly anticipated talking point.

Mason Rudolph's Role

Mason Rudolph, a veteran backup, provides experience and familiarity with the Steelers' system.

• Past Performance: Rudolph has shown moments of competency in limited playing time, though he's never consistently proven himself as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback.
• Strengths as a Backup: His experience makes him a valuable asset for guiding younger quarterbacks and ensuring the team has a reliable backup plan should Pickett get injured.
• Limitations: Rudolph's limitations are well documented. He lacks the arm talent and consistency of a starting quarterback, making him a more traditional backup option.

The Need for a Veteran Presence

Regardless of Pickett's development, adding a veteran quarterback could provide invaluable mentorship and competition.

• Experience: A seasoned veteran can offer guidance on reading defenses, managing game situations, and handling the pressures of the NFL.
• Leadership: A strong veteran presence can help solidify team leadership and create a more positive locker room atmosphere.
• Guidance: A veteran QB can mentor young players like Pickett, sharing valuable experience and refining their skills.

Exploring the Draft: 2024 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects

The 2024 NFL Draft presents a significant opportunity for the Steelers to address their quarterback needs.

Top Draft Prospects

Several high-profile quarterback prospects are expected to be available in the first round.

• Caleb Williams (USC): A dynamic playmaker with exceptional arm talent and mobility, Williams is likely to be a top pick.
• Drake Maye (UNC): A strong-armed quarterback with impressive accuracy and leadership qualities, Maye is another potential top-ten selection.
• Other Prospects: Other promising quarterbacks, such as Jayden Daniels, could emerge as potential first-round selections, significantly impacting the Steelers' options should they pursue a first-round quarterback. Their draft positions and overall abilities should be carefully evaluated.

Mid-Round and Late-Round Options

The Steelers could find value in later rounds of the draft.

• Potential Sleepers: Several quarterbacks with untapped potential could be available in the middle to late rounds. These players present higher risk, but potentially higher reward.
• Risk/Reward Analysis: Careful scouting and evaluation are essential to assess the risk-reward ratio associated with selecting a quarterback in later rounds.

Draft Strategy

The Steelers' draft strategy will depend on several factors.

• Trade-Up Scenarios: If the Steelers covet a top quarterback prospect, they might consider trading up to secure their preferred player.
• Trading Down Scenarios: Trading down could allow the Steelers to acquire additional draft picks, potentially addressing other needs on their roster.

Free Agency Options: Veteran Quarterbacks Available

Free agency offers another path to acquiring a quarterback.

Top Free Agent QBs

Several veteran quarterbacks may be available in free agency.

• Potential Free Agents: The free agency landscape shifts constantly. The Steelers should keep an eye on players like [List potential free agents and their teams]. Their strengths, weaknesses, and contract demands will all influence any potential pursuit.
• Strengths, Weaknesses: Each potential free agent carries their own set of advantages and disadvantages that the Steelers’ front office must carefully weigh.

Free Agency Budget Constraints

The Steelers' salary cap situation will significantly impact their free agency decisions.

• Salary Cap Space: The available cap space will dictate the type of contracts the Steelers can offer.
• Potential Contract Structures: Creative contract structuring may be necessary to fit a veteran quarterback under the salary cap.

Risk vs. Reward

Signing a veteran free agent involves weighing potential benefits and drawbacks.

• Guaranteed Money: Large guaranteed contracts increase financial risk.
• Injury Risk: Veteran quarterbacks are more susceptible to injuries.
• Contract Length: The length of the contract will influence future salary cap flexibility.

Trade Possibilities: Acquiring a QB Through Trade

Trading for a quarterback is another option, though it carries complexities.

Potential Trade Targets

Several teams may be willing to part with quarterbacks.

• Specific Teams and Players: Identifying teams with surplus quarterbacks and assessing their willingness to trade is crucial. Specific players and trade packages must be considered.
• Trade Compensation Requirements: Draft picks and potentially other players might be necessary to acquire a desirable quarterback through trade.

Trade Value

The trade value of different quarterbacks varies.

• Draft Picks: First-round picks typically command the highest trade value.
• Player Exchanges: Including other players in the trade could enhance its value.

Trade Feasibility

Trading for a quarterback has inherent challenges.

• Team Willingness to Trade: Teams may be reluctant to trade valued players.
• Salary Cap Implications: Acquiring a player through a trade may affect the team’s salary cap, requiring careful planning and consideration.

Conclusion: Charting a Course for the Steelers' 2024 QB Future

The Steelers face a critical decision regarding their 2024 quarterback situation. The options—drafting a young prospect, signing a veteran free agent, or making a trade—each present unique advantages and disadvantages. Successfully navigating this situation requires a thorough evaluation of available quarterbacks, careful consideration of the salary cap, and a well-defined draft strategy. Securing a capable quarterback is paramount to the Steelers' success in 2024. What do you think is the best Steelers QB solution? Share your thoughts on the Steelers quarterback options and the best path forward for the Steelers 2024 QB outlook!