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Jameis Winston Steelers Buzz Makes More Sense Than You Might Think

By Scott Rogust

Jameis Winston joining the Steelers actually makes sense.
Jameis Winston joining the Steelers actually makes sense. / Justin Berl/Getty Images

Former 2015 first-overall pick Jameis Winston was unceremoniously told to walk the plank by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they replaced him with former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. We can't necessarily blame the Buccaneers for bringing an immediate upgrade over Winston, but you can't help but feel bad, as reports indicate he won't be signed to be another team's starter.

While that sounds bad, it's not the end of the world. Ryan Tannehill went from Tennessee Titans backup to unquestioned starter after a month. Winston is poised to go down that same path with whichever team signs him.

Rumors have linked Winston to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in all honesty, it's not as absurd as you think.

Yes, the Steelers have very limited cap space, but that shouldn't prevent them from signing Winston. From all indications, Winston isn't going to command big money on the open market, and will likely join on a backup deal.

The Steelers are still Ben Roethlisberger's team, especially when looking at his bloated contract that pays him $68 million over the next two seasons. But what is their contingency plan once he inevitably retires in a couple of years? If you watched any Steelers games from last season, you can see that Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges aren't long-term answers at the position.

Winston has the perfect method to follow if he were to join the Steelers: Teddy Bridgewater on the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints brought in Bridgewater via a trade and had him backup Drew Brees. Bridgewater was able to pick his brain while also serving as a quality option if Brees went down with an injury. That time came earlier last season after Brees broke his thumb, and Bridgewater led New Orleans to a perfect 5-0 in five starts.

Now? Bridgewater just cashed in on a three-year, $63 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.

The ground work is there for Winston. He can join the Steelers as a quality No. 2 signal caller and eventually prove his worth to them and the 31 other organizations in the league.