Last year's quarterback situation in Pittsburgh was less than ideal.
That is evidenced by the fact that both starters, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, are now in New York.
Part of that is because of tension with the offensive coordinator, and another part is because those two simply didn't mesh with Smith's scheme.
Well, according to Mina Kimes, there's one prospect who would immediately be a better fit...
Shedeur Sanders better fit than Fields-Wilson in Steelers' offense?
“They have a really good receiving trio now in DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and their tight end, Pat Freiermuth. I think the offensive line is heading in the right direction, particularly on the interior," said Kimes. "We’ll see what they get out of their former first-round draft pick, Troy Fautanu, now that he’s healthy. I also think Arthur Smith would like Sanders’ skill set, particularly his willingness to throw accurately over the middle of the field. Last year, both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson aren’t really quarterbacks who target that part of the field. Arthur Smith really prioritizes it.”
There is a lot to consider here. For one, the Steelers would have to show that they are interested in Sanders. We know that much is true, given their recent visit with him, as well as the report from Adam Schefter that he is the only R1 QB prospect that Pittsburgh would consider...
“I was of the mind that Pittsburgh was not taking a quarterback in Round 1,” Schefter said on his podcast. “I think the only quarterback that they would consider, me reading between the lines, would be Shedeur. But I can’t imagine he’s gonna slide to 21. Would Pittsburgh be willing to trade up to a certain point to go get Shedeur Sanders, if he gets past those other spots? If the Browns don’t take Shedeur Sanders at two, and if the Giants don’t take Shedeur Sanders at three, and that is the feel that I’m getting recently, where is Shedeur Sanders going?"
Secondly, Sanders might be more comfortable throwing over the middle of the field than Wilson or Fields, but it doesn't mean he's ready for that level of scheme. Sanders is good. He's posied, tough as nails, and can throw with layering, touch, and accuracy.
But he threw A LOT of passes within five yards of the line of scrimmage or less, and he has no tangible trait that is elite.
Doesn't mean he can't be good, doesn't mean he wouldn't be better in Arthur Smith's offense, but it does mean that he's probably somewhere between the 16-32nd best QB in the league opposed to a top 10 player.
The Steelers will have to decide if he's worth it.
