Steelers’ Quarterback Dilemma
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been navigating a tumultuous quarterback situation over the past two seasons, juggling a mix of talent and experience. Former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, career backup Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson have all had turns under center. With Wilson and Fields set to become free agents in March, the pressure is on the Steelers to find a stable and reliable long-term solution. ESPN’s Seth Walder believes that the Steelers might finally prioritize stability by signing Sam Darnold, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold’s contract is set to expire after the 2024 season, and his performance has certainly caught the eye of many around the league, including the Steelers.
Why Darnold?
Keeping Fields is a possibility, but the Steelers’ decision to continue playing Wilson over him raises questions about their commitment to the young quarterback. Darnold, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the Vikings’ offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. However, there is a healthy dose of skepticism about how Darnold will perform without these key figures. Despite this, he is arguably the best free-agent quarterback available. The Steelers have several compelling reasons to pursue Darnold. They can offer him a potentially very good defense, a proud winning history under Mike Tomlin, and the lack of a top draft pick, which makes them less likely to draft a rookie in the first round. This scenario provides Darnold with a chance to be the unquestioned leader of a respected franchise.
The Financial Angle
To secure Darnold, the Steelers would need to make a significant financial commitment, something they haven’t done since the Ben Roethlisberger era. Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects Darnold’s next deal to be a three-year, $123.75 million contract with about $70 million in guarantees. Given Minnesota’s reported interest in bringing Darnold back on a short-term deal, it might take an offer of more than $40 million per season to lure him away. The Steelers, with ample cap space, are in a position to make such a market-value offer. While the numbers seem large, Darnold’s projected average annual value of $41.25 million would only place him in the top 15 among NFL quarterbacks. This suggests that the Steelers are not breaking the bank but are making a calculated investment in the hopes of ending their playoff drought, which has lasted since the 2015 season.
Vikings’ Future Plans
The Vikings’ decision to let Darnold walk in free agency is influenced by their belief in J.J. McCarthy as the next franchise quarterback. McCarthy, a promising young talent, is expected to take over the starting role in the future. This belief, coupled with the Vikings’ interest in a short-term deal for Darnold, suggests that they are not committed to long-term investments at the quarterback position. The absence of the franchise tag for Darnold by the March 4 deadline further supports this notion. While Darnold’s 2024 Pro Bowl season was impressive, his performance in crucial games has been inconsistent. This could be a concern for the Steelers, but the potential benefits of signing a proven starter might outweigh these risks.
Darnold’s Track Record
Sam Darnold’s career has been a rollercoaster, marked by moments of brilliance and periods of uncertainty. Over his seven-year career, he hasn’t had the chance to play in many high-pressure situations, and his performance in Minnesota’s most critical games in 2024 was shaky. However, his overall potential and recent success make him an attractive option for teams looking to stabilize their quarterback position. Darnold’s ability to perform well under O’Connell and Jefferson indicates that he can thrive in a well-structured offense. The Steelers would need to ensure that Darnold can adapt to their system, but his experience and talent could provide the stability they have been lacking.
The Road Ahead
The Steelers are at a crossroads. Their recent attempts to find low-cost solutions at quarterback have not yielded the desired results. By signing Darnold, they would be making a bold and definitive move to address their most pressing need. While there is no guarantee that Darnold will be the answer, the Steelers have the resources and the will to make a significant investment. The question remains: Will Darnold be the quarterback to lead the Steelers back to the playoffs and beyond? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Steelers are ready to make a big decision in the 2025 free agency period.
