The Pittsburgh Steelers face a crucial offseason after a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign, marked by a four-game losing streak and a humiliating playoff defeat against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite consistent playoff appearances in recent years, the team has struggled to win postseason games since January 2017, highlighting ongoing challenges.
$150 million veteran QB named potential Steelers offseason target image
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a pivotal offseason on the horizon, as the team lost four straight games to end the 2024 regular season and suffered a pitiful wild card round defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. Though Pittsburgh has been a consistent playoff team for the last few seasons, the franchise hasn’t won a postseason game since Jan.2017.
A major uncertainty surrounds the quarterback position for the Steelers. Russell Wilson, who started most of the season, began strongly but faltered late in the year, failing to maintain his status as a top-tier quarterback. Justin Fields, meanwhile, showcased potential in his limited starts, posting a 4-2 record with impressive statistics during Wilson’s absence due to injury.
Both Wilson and Fields are set to become unrestricted free agents in the upcoming offseason. This situation prompts speculation and analysis about potential moves by Steelers’ management, particularly General Manager Omar Khan. One potential option discussed by Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders is Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints.
Saunders points out Carr’s strengths despite a challenging season with the Saints, where he led the league in sack rate due to a struggling offensive line. Carr maintained a high completion percentage and a respectable average depth of target, showcasing continued effectiveness at 33 years old. His conservative style minimizes turnovers, evident from his low interception count during the season.
Financially, Carr presents a complex situation. He is under contract with the Saints for two more years, with significant cap hits of $51 million in 2025 and $61 million in 2026. This hefty financial commitment, combined with the need for draft capital in any potential trade, raises questions about the feasibility of acquiring him for the Steelers.
There is speculation that the Saints might release Carr to alleviate their dire salary cap situation, though the financial benefits to the Saints would be limited unless they make a post-June 1st designation, which would provide substantial cap relief. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of any potential trade discussions involving Carr.
From a strategic standpoint, acquiring Carr would represent a significant financial and operational commitment for the Steelers. While he offers stability and solid performance at quarterback, there are doubts about whether he represents a substantial upgrade over Wilson or Fields. Some argue that his impact may not justify the financial cost and draft assets required to secure him.
In conclusion, while Derek Carr remains a viable option on paper due to his experience and steady play, the overall consensus leans towards caution for the Steelers. The financial implications of Carr’s contract and the potential limited upside in performance compared to existing options make his acquisition a questionable move in the eyes of many analysts and fans alike. The Steelers must carefully weigh these factors as they navigate their offseason decisions, aiming to address quarterback stability while managing the team’s broader needs and financial constraints.
