The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made significant changes to their quarterback depth chart this summer through trades for Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in free agency. Could they complete the offseason trifecta by adding a draft pick to that combination? The Steelers have planned a pre-draft meeting with University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., so it may now be on their radar.
During the 2023 season, it became evident that the Steelers needed to address their quarterback position because former first-round choice Kenny Pickett was having difficulty developing. Even if Wilson and Fields’ additions are only temporary improvements, they are nevertheless risk-free bets.
The Steelers still need to worry about finding a long-term solution, though. Their chances of winning a championship will remain limited as long as they are in quarterback purgatory.
Considering the quality of this year’s quarterback class and the predicted lackluster one for next year, it makes reasonable that the Steelers would at the very least like to investigate the signal-callers in this class.
Although Penix Jr. is not regarded as one of the four best prospects at his position (Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy), he still has a possibility to rise very high, which makes him an intriguing prospect. especially considering that, according to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, he turned in an outstanding 40-time on his pro day, unofficially clocking in between 4.51 and 4.57 seconds, depending on the stopwatch.
In terms of competing this season, the Steelers would be taking a significant risk if they selected Penix Jr. in the first round (at pick No. 20 overall).
The Steelers are returning a top-10 defense that improved this offseason with the acquisitions of Patrick Queen, Donte Jackson, and DeShon Elliott. Last season, the team finished with ten wins and advanced to the playoffs. With Wilson and Fields at quarterback, the team is obviously focused on making a run at the postseason this year and, ideally, winning a playoff game for the first time since 2016.
In addition, Pittsburgh still needs a center and offensive tackle help, two positions that may be filled with that first-round selection. They might go after either position at overall No. 20.
But what happens if Penix Jr. begins to fall through the boards? What happens if he advances to or enters the second round of fighting? The Steelers may find it impossible to pass up the chance and the circumstances.
