After missing out on Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers likely need to turn to a new face at quarterback. They could always bring back Russell Wilson, but there’s been little talk about that recently. Aaron Rodgers is the name most connected to the Steelers as of late. However, he isn’t their only option. Former NFL quarterback Shaun King recently pitched the Steelers signing Jameis Winston to Mike Tomlin.
“I actually texted Mike [Tomlin] yesterday,” King said recently on The Coach JB Show with Big Smitty. “I don’t think he has me on block because it went through. But I gave him my dissertation for why I think Jameis Winston is the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.
“You need somebody that can push the ball down the field in the inclement weather. He’s proven, last year, that he still has the ability to do that. I just don’t think Aaron Rodgers is mobile enough for what Pittsburgh wants to do. Pittsburgh wants to run the football, do a lot of play-action, get outside the pocket. That’s not really Rodgers’ game.”
The Steelers certainly saw how well Winston can play in bad weather. With the Cleveland Browns last year, he beat the Steelers in a game that became a whiteout. Before that, Winston didn’t have much experience playing in the cold. However, he showed that the snow wouldn’t bother him.
King’s use of that as a point in favor of Winston over Rodgers is confusing, though. Rodgers spent the first 18 years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are no strangers to brutal weather, and Rodgers thrived there. He might be 41, but his arm is still very strong. He should still be able to push the ball downfield.
However, King does make a good point about Rodgers not being mobile enough for the Steelers. While Father Time hasn’t taken his arm yet, his athleticism is starting to wane. An Achilles injury in 2023 likely didn’t help that. He doesn’t have as much juice as he used to.
Earlier this year, Tomlin stated that he values quarterback mobility. Winston might not be the fastest quarterback in the world, but he can move. The Steelers saw that firsthand last year. In their loss to the Browns, Winston made some plays with his legs, including rushing for a touchdown.
The biggest thing likely keeping Winston out of Pittsburgh is that he’s a turnover machine. Tomlin likes having a quarterback that protects the football. In 10 seasons, Winston had 111 interceptions and 154 touchdowns. That’s not a great ratio.
King and Tomlin have some history together, being together on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2001 to 2003, but that might not be enough to convince the Steelers coach. Although Tomlin values mobility, he also puts a lot of stock into ball security. Rodgers had Winston beaten in that department by a mile. We’ll see if King’s gambit pans out. There are certainly worse options than Winston.
