ESPN Names Two Wildcards as Steelers Next QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be in the hunt for some sort of quarterback help this offseason. And even if that doesn't mean a new starter, it likely means some capable backups. ESPN has two names to offer. 

Bill Barnwell believes the Steelers could target two reliable veterans this offseason - one through free agency and another via trade - and both could have an opportunity to create a name for themselves in Pittsburgh.

The free agent signing would be Houston Texans' Case Keenum, and the trade would be for Seattle Seahawks' Geno Smith. 

"Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan served as the offensive coordinator for the Broncos in 2018, and his starter there was Case Keenum. (If you haven't noticed, Keenum has connections with just about every coaching staff in the league.) He was also the offensive coordinator for the Giants during the Ben McAdoo era, when the backup for Eli Manning was current Seahawks starter Geno Smith. Smith isn't a free agent, but if the Seahawks make a change at quarterback, I wonder if the Steelers would consider trading for him," Barnwell writes.

Smith still has two years left on his current contract, with a $31 million cap hit in 2024 and a $33.7 million cap hit in 2025. He's 16-16 since becoming the starter for the Seahawks, throwing 50 touchdowns to 21 interceptions. 

He's 33-years-old.

Keenum, 35, has 79 games of experience in the NFL, including 65 starts. He's 30-35 all time with 15,113 yards, 79 touchdowns and 49 interceptions. 

Barnwell does believe whoever the Steelers add this offseason will compete with Kenny Pickett. The second-year quarterback will still have two years on his rookie deal, and after being drafted in the first round, it's unlikely any name comes to Pittsburgh this offseason and is handed a starting job at quarterback.