The 49ers and Eagles’ QB errors should teach the Steelers a lesson.
Taking a cue from Kenny Rogers’ wisdom, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the 2021 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick. However, if the Steelers are serious about pursuing and securing their seventh Vince Lombardi Trophy, they should consider the approach adopted by two other NFL teams—the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles. These teams, too, drafted their perceived franchise quarterbacks in the first round but eventually decided to part ways once they recognized their errors.
Examining the precedence set by these franchises, let’s begin with the most recent example. Before the 2021 NFL Draft, the 49ers invested heavily in trading with the Miami Dolphins to secure the third overall selection, choosing North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance. However, the 49ers later drafted quarterback Brock Purdy in the 2022 NFL Draft, who eventually assumed the starting role due to an injury to Lance. Despite the substantial investment in Lance, the 49ers made an organizational decision to trade him to the Cowboys for a 2024 fourth-round pick, acknowledging that he wasn’t the right fit.
The lesson here is clear: a first-round pick, no matter how significant the investment, should not be clung to if it’s evident that the quarterback isn’t the right fit. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin emphasizes the need to avoid being hesitant about making decisions, as “scared money don’t make money.”
Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles experienced a comparable quarterback scenario. In 2016, the organization believed they had found their franchise quarterback in Carson Wentz, making two trades to acquire him. However, after five seasons, despite awarding Wentz a substantial contract, the Eagles traded him to the Indianapolis Colts. They had drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts, whom they deemed to have more potential than Wentz.
This sets the precedent for moving on from a first-round quarterback pick, even when substantial draft capital was invested to acquire them. The Steelers, facing the challenge of waiting for Kenny Pickett to fully click, cannot afford to waste more time. In the NFL, time is a precious commodity, and the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Steelers to turn the page. The draft class features promising quarterbacks, and the Steelers’ decision-makers must remain open-minded to secure a franchise quarterback. With key defensive players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick getting older, the urgency to find the right quarterback for a championship-caliber team is paramount.
