The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room underwent a major transformation in the 2024 offseason. They kicked off the changes by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. Following that, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, unhappy with the decision, requested a trade, which the Steelers granted by sending him to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, the Steelers released Mitch Trubisky and allowed Mason Rudolph to leave in free agency. They also traded for former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields. As a result, the Steelers' quarterback lineup looks entirely different from what it was in 2023. There is considerable excitement surrounding the new quarterbacks, Fields and Wilson. However, there's another new addition to the roster who is not expected to play a major role unless needed in 2024.
Veteran quarterback Kyle Allen signed with the Steelers, designated as the third-string quarterback for the 2024 season. An undrafted free agent in 2018, Allen has played six seasons in the NFL for four different teams. His career began with the Carolina Panthers, followed by stints with the Washington Commanders, the Houston Texans, and the Buffalo Bills in 2023.
Allen has started 19 games in his career, often stepping in when his team faced injuries at the critical quarterback position. Many fans consider getting paid well without having to play as one of the best jobs in the world. In an interview with Chris Adamski of Trib Live, Allen expressed that he is ready to play in 2024 if needed.
“A lot of people that are not in the league say, ‘Oh, backup quarterback is the best job in the NFL — you don’t have to do anything, blah, blah, blah.’ But I have started games (at one point during each of four different seasons). I have played in games all six years of my career. I am not saying it’s going to happen this year — but it’s been inevitable, so I am always ready.”
Allen has played in 31 games throughout his career, throwing for 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, with a completion rate of 62.6% for a total of 4,734 passing yards. Allen shared that he is always preparing to play, as he has been called upon in every season of his career.
As a backup, Allen has been part of several strong quarterback rooms. He believes that being around Wilson and Fields adds two more excellent quarterbacks to the list of those he has had the honor to play with.
“It’s cool — my rookie year when I was in the room with Cam Newton, that was like, ‘Whoa.’ Because I was 22 at the time, and I grew up wearing Cam Newton’s cleats. I’ve played with Alex Smith, played with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh [Allen]. I’ve played with a lot of really good quarterbacks. And Russ and Justin are up there with all of them.”
Allen is well aware of the storied history of the Steelers franchise. Playing for the team has been a cool experience for the third string quarterback.
“I have been in (Acrisure Stadium) a bunch of times. I have always watched Pittsburgh, and they have been good for so long; ever since I was growing up they have been good, watching Ben (Roethlisberger). So it’s been cool to be part of a storied franchise.”
Allen joins the Steelers after a long journey with multiple stops. The team expects Wilson to start and lead them in the upcoming season. However, some pundits believe Fields might challenge Wilson for the starting position.
Allen's role as the third-string quarterback appears secure, and he won't be competing with Fields or Wilson to move up the depth chart. Nevertheless, his mentality remains ready to step in if needed.
Steelers Rookie John Rhys Plumlee Part Of New Look QB Room
The Steelers also signed another quarterback, rookie John Rhys Plumlee, as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 draft. Plumlee is expected to be a practice squad quarterback and is currently listed as the fourth-string quarterback.
Allen and Plumlee will be part of the Steelers' revamped quarterback room in 2024. Allen is confident that he can deliver if called upon. Plumlee is confident he can play quarterback really well in the NFL. He will hope to develop in Pittsburgh and find a way to get a chance sometime in the future.
