Dwayne Haskins has chance to revive career with Steelers
After a disastrous start to his career in Washington, former first-round pick Dwayne Haskins is looking for a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Very little went right for Dwayne Haskins in Washington. He’s hoping to change his career’s course in Pittsburgh.
After being released during his second season with the Football Team in December, the former first-round pick from Ohio State has caught on with the Steelers. Locked in a battle with longtime backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, Haskins won’t play regardless in 2021 (barring major injuries). However, if he shows enough promise in practice and meeting rooms, perhaps Haskins gets a look in 2022 once Ben Roethlisberger retires.
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For Haskins, this is an ideal situation after faltering so badly — and publicly — in Washington. He gets to learn behind a future Hall of Famer while getting some of the best coaching the NFL has to offer in Mike Tomlin. It’s similar to what we saw with Jameis Winston last year, going to the New Orleans Saints to sit behind Drew Brees and learn from Sean Payton.
For his part, Haskins seems to realize he’s in a terrific spot. On Thursday, he talked to media about his situation and how he’s approaching it, per ESPN:
“I just wanted to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates how much I love football. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here and showing them that my mind is in the right place and I’m willing to work to be able to show my talents and be able to work and earn a spot here.”
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For Haskins, nothing will be given. Roethlisberger obviously holds the top spot on the depth chart while Rudolph is a veteran backup who has known nothing but Pittsburgh. The Steelers could and almost surely will carry three quarterbacks, but if Haskins can’t beat out Rudolph, perhaps it’s a sign he isn’t long for the Steel City.
In 16 games with Washington, Haskins posted a 3-10 record with 2,804 yards including 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. For Tomlin and Co., the teardown has to be completed before building the youngster back up. Luckily for the Steelers, they have time to work with Haskins before he’ll need to play, even if the renovation is coming along well.
It could be the last chance for Haskins in an NFL uniform. Time to make good on his potential.
