NFL: Predicting the week one starting quarterback for all 32 teams
By Kyle Edmond
Pittsburgh Steelers: Derek Carr
The Pittsburgh Steelers proved this season that they aren’t done. Ben Roethlisberger might be, but the roster is still built to contend. T.J. Watt is a proven force on the defense, Najee Harris rejuvenated the running game, now they just need to find a new signal caller.
Like I said earlier, Jimmy Garoppolo could be in Las Vegas, meaning the Raiders could be looking to move Derek Carr. Carr has one more year left on his deal and the Raiders can trade or cut him with no dead cap. His cap number will also be under $20 million.
The Steelers only have about $32 million in cap space, so the odds of getting Aaron Rodgers or another top tier name is out. Holding the 20th pick, the Steelers have a shot at drafting a quarterback, but will they be ready? In-house there’s Mason Rudolph, but he hasn’t done enough to prove he can handle the job.
Carr would give Pittsburgh a one-year band-aid fix at quarterback. Worst case they cut ties and move on to someone different in a year. Best case, it works out and they re-sign Carr. The biggest question will be what a trade would cost. The Steelers are a team that builds through the draft, so unloading capital for a 31-year old quarterback might not be their plan. However, Carr gives them to best chance to continue what they’ve been doing for the last 18 years.