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3 QBs Steelers Should Sign in Free Agency After Disaster Behind Center in 2019

By Andy Loughmiller

New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater walking out of the tunnel before the game.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater walking out of the tunnel before the game. / Will Vragovic/Getty Images

The NFL regular season is coming to an end. The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a chance to make the playoffs if a few things go their way in Week 17, but the team will need to start preparing for the future regardless considering their numerous issues in relation to the quarterback position. While the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger are optimistic about the veteran QB's return to the field in 2020, it's clear that they need an upgrade from backups Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges at the very least.

With that in mind, here are three free-agent quarterbacks that Pittsburgh should sign this upcoming offseason.

3. Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill running the ball vs. the Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill running the ball vs. the Atlanta Falcons / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Hill will be a restricted free agent in 2020, but that shouldn't dissuade the Steelers from going after him. He is a dynamic playmaker who can provide value to their offense at running back or receiver while doubling as the team's second-string QB. With the league shifting towards quarterbacks who can do damage with their legs, the Swiss army knife would be a worthwhile investment for the team if they are willing to develop him as a true threat under center.

2. Ryan Tannehill

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill winding up to throw vs. the New Orleans Saints
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill winding up to throw vs. the New Orleans Saints / Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

After replacing Marcus Mariota in Week 6, Tannehill has played incredibly well in Tennessee. He's gone 6-3 in his nine starts so far this season and has completed 70 percent of his passes. The eighth-year player out of Texas A&M could be looking to stay with his current franchise or sign with a team that will make him the clear-cut starter to begin the year, but he wasn't afraid of betting on himself when he joined the Titans in 2019. His presence on Pittsburgh's roster could give them the QB of the future they so desperately need.

1. Teddy Bridgewater

New Orleans Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater making adjustments at the line vs. the Chicago Bears
New Orleans Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater making adjustments at the line vs. the Chicago Bears / Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

The Saints have a loaded quarterback room, therefore it is unlikely that they will be able to retain both Bridgewater and Hill this offseason considering their productive play in 2019. The 27-year-old was undefeated in his five starts while filling in for an injured Drew Brees, and obviously doesn't mind being a backup, as evidenced by his decision to remain the Saints reserve quarterback for a second-straight year when many pundits thought he could start for several teams. This is another player who could motivate Roethlisberger while also serving as a high-end backup for the Steelers.