Pittsburgh Steelers fans dreaming of a franchise-altering quarterback trade might need to adjust their expectations.
While team president Art Rooney II acknowledged exploring all avenues for improvement, he cautioned against assuming a blockbuster deal is imminent.
This clarification comes on the heels of Rooney’s interview with KDKA’s Bob Pompeani, where he briefly mentioned considering “anything” to improve the team. These seemingly open-ended remarks fueled speculation about a major quarterback trade, prompting Rooney to provide further context.
“I don’t want to create a lot of speculation that we’re going out looking to make some big blockbuster trade at the quarterback spot,” he emphasized in a separate interview with WTAE’s Andrew Stockey. While acknowledging he wouldn’t “close the door on anything,” Rooney categorized a major trade as “unlikely.”
This doesn’t necessarily mean the Steelers are content with their current quarterback situation. With Mitch Trubisky’s release likely, rookie Kenny Pickett remains the only quarterback under contract. So, moves are still expected, but they might be more nuanced than fans initially anticipated.
So, what does this mean for Steelers Nation? Tempering expectations for a Deshaun Watson-esque trade is probably wise. However, the door remains open for smaller moves, free agency signings, or even drafting a quarterback later in the rounds.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Don’t expect a blockbuster QB trade: While exploring options is the responsible approach, Rooney downplayed the likelihood of a major deal.
- Moves are still likely: With Trubisky likely departing, the Steelers need to address the quarterback position somehow.
- Stay tuned for a nuanced approach: Instead of one big splash, the Steelers might pursue smaller moves or draft picks to bolster their quarterback situation.
The Steelers’ offseason plans remain under wraps, but fans can now approach quarterback rumors with a clearer understanding of the team’s intentions. While a blockbuster trade isn’t on the horizon, the quest for a long-term solution at quarterback is far from over.