Pittsburgh Steelers: Gardner Minshew or the 2022 NFL Draft?

With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger set to retire could the Pittsburgh Steelers make a move for Gardner Minshew, draft a first-round quarterback, or both?

The idea of another quarterback starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers not named Ben Roethlisberger is absurd. Some have done it when the franchise quarterback and soon-to-be Hall of Famer was hurt, but never from day one.

The Steelers will now face an interesting dilemma, draft a quarterback or move for one. Rumors have swirled that the team will not target Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson due to their likely high price tags, but could they move for someone cheaper?

Right in the state of Pennsylvania, there are two quarterback options the team should explore: Philadelphia Eagles’ Gardner Minshew and University of Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett.

Minshew was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team went 6-and-8 in his first season, and then an uninspiring 1-16 in his second season. The team would draft Trevor Lawrence first overall and then was moved to the Eagles for a sixth-rounder.

His price tag will not be as high as Rodgers or Wilson and likely cost a fourth-rounder or lower. The investment could be worth bringing Minshew in as a bridge quarterback or a game manager, but he’s proven he should be a starter.

If they chose to ride with Minshew as a bridge quarterback then they could take a rookie quarterback as well. Pickett played in their own backyard and broke all of Dan Marino’s passing records. He’s likely the most pro-ready quarterback in this fairly weak quarterback draft.

Other options include North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Liberty’s Malik Willis, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral. There’s no sure-fire top quarterback this year so it’ll be interesting if all of none are there when the Steelers pick.

If the team does choose Minshew or another veteran quarterback, they could look to boost their offensive line in the first round of the draft. While they made it to the playoffs this season, their offensive line was a glaring hole the entire season. The team will need to address the quarterback position, but the offensive line will need to be resolved right after.

Minshew or a rookie doesn’t guarantee wins for the Steel City, but the current options on the roster don’t give much excitement either. A new fresh face might be what Pittsburgh Steelers need as they say goodbye to the franchise’s greatest quarterback.