The Steelers have nothing to lose with Dwayne Haskins

The Pittsburgh Steelers might have their next franchise quarterback, but there’s nothing at risk with the signing of Dwayne Haskins. 

When Kevin Colbert extended him a contract, Dwayne Haskins could exhale. After a rocky NFL start, there was going to be a second chance. The Pittsburgh Steelers would be his new haven.

The Steelers and Haskins agreed to a one-year deal this offseason, sending the fanbase in motion of chaotic fluster. Colbert is now the executive of the year for signing a former top 15 right? The Steelers are ready to win in life past Ben Roethlisberger, yes? Look at the bargain deal they landed, it’s a steal.

All that could be true. That’s the hope of what is to come in the future. For now though, let’s just pump the brakes before declaring Haskins the next franchise superstar.

Haskins’ signing is a no-risk, no-foul move for the franchise that could be going through a rebuild. The talent and upside for the former Ohio State quarterback made him a star through drafting communities. In the end, the off the field incidents were more of a problem than his lackluster on-field production.

Still, this signing means everything to Haskins and nothing to Pittsburgh. No harm, no worries.

The Steelers have nothing to fear with Haskins signing

If Roethlisberger calls it a career in 2021, Haskins would enter camp as potentially the incumbent starter. Between Mason Rudolph, the team’s top backup, and the newly acquired gunslinger, one would earn the starting nod.

That’s only if Roethlisberger calls it a career this offseason. As of now, he’s expected to return for the future.

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Haskins was 3-10 for his career as Washington’s starter. He threw for 12 touchdowns against 14 interceptions in that same span. The only positive was his completion rating over the past two years, putting up an average of 61 percent.

Washington was limited in the passing game due to their receiving corps. Terry McLaurin is a rising top-20 receiver, but there wasn’t a No. 2 to take the pressure off him. Logan Thomas slowly came into his own this year, but Haskins never targeted him.

The Steelers will still have a three-core set in 2021 with or without JuJu Smith-Schuster. Dionate Johnson has emerged as the team’s top target while Chase Claypool has shown his vertical presence. James Washington is the jack of all trades as the team’s No. 4 choice.

Will a better arsenal work out with different results?

The Steelers will be picking 24th in the upcoming NFL Draft. There isn’t a quarterback that will fall that far and Pittsburgh has needs on both the offensive line and secondary to address due to free agency. Instead of reaching for a quarterback who could fizzle, draft to build around the franchise’s future.

If Haskins plays and works out, the Steelers avoid paying top dollar on the market. If he struggles, Pittsburgh’s pick is top 10 next season, meaning they’ll be in line for one of the top three options in 2022. Where is there a problem no matter how you look at it?

Haskins has his second shot, but time will tell if Mike Tomlin’s hard attitude pans out. If it doesn’t, so be it. If it does, congrats Steelers fans, the bargain paid off.