Sam Darnold may not emerge as the future savior for the Steelers at quarterback. But at least he would represent some sort of hope.
Because right now, the group behind Ben Roethlisberger is downright dismal.
The possibility of Darnold joining the Steelers was first floated by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, who wrote he could envision the 2018 No. 3 overall pick joining the Steelers if the "price was right." Well, how about one third round pick? The Steelers currently own two third-round selections.
"Trading (a third-round pick) for Sam Darnold is the ultimate low risk, high reward move," tweeted the FAN's Andrew Filliponi. "It's the Haskins signing on steroids. And I'm not a Darnold fan. But it's worth a shot!"
While there's been some jubilation about Roethlisberger returning for another run, he looked like a quarterback on the rapid descent last season. Most appallingly, he was putrid in the first half against Cleveland, throwing four interceptions in that nightmare loss to the Browns. The Steelers went 2-3 in December, and Roethlisberger threw five picks.
There is precedent for all-time great quarterbacks losing it suddenly. It happened to Peyton Manning, who went from an MVP candidate to a glorified game manager seemingly overnight.
But even if Roethlisberger rebounds next season, the most diehard Steelers honk can't possibly be counting on him for 2022. Seeing Roethlisberger play into his 40s would be sad, never mind painful to watch.
The Steelers desperately need more options at QB, because Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins sitting as the lone options behind Big Ben is frightening. Remember: Haskins was so terrible and irresponsible last season, Washington released him days before its must-win regular season finale. Keep that in mind next time you read about all of the happy feelings surrounding Haskins in Steeler Nation.
Darnold entered the NFL as the prototypical All-American star. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he looks precisely like an NFL quarterback. Unfortunately, he's been stuck on the Jets, where his tools and talent have gone to waste. Two years ago, he threw for 3,024 yards and 19 touchdowns with 13 interceptions in 13 games.
Then went totally backwards last season, along with the rest of the team.
Of course, Darnold can't be Pittsburgh's only contingency plan. But he would instantly become the second-most accomplished QB in that room. Whenever possible, it's imperative to acquire talent at the most important position in sports, especially when it comes at a discounted cost.
Armed with the No. 24 overall pick, the Steelers stand no chance of selecting one of the top pass-throwers in this year's draft. Darnold is far from a guarantee, but neither is whomever they could pick in the second or third-round.
The best part is, there's no long-term risk attached to Darnold. He's entering the final year of his deal, so if he's flop, the Steelers can move on. But if he excels, they could exercise his fifth-year option, or sign him to a new deal.
It's the definition of a win-win, and the Steelers are desperate for victories.
