Regardless of assembly with and being linked to Shedeur Sanders previous to the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers handed on the quarterback thrice after they had the chance to take him. A number one NFL insider may need provided some perception as to why they did.
In an look on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Albert Breer of The MMQB recommended Russell Wilson’s struggles final season may need been a deciding issue towards the Steelers deciding on Sanders. Coach Mike Tomlin appreciated Sanders, however he had additionally appreciated Wilson and caught with the veteran quarterback even when most within the constructing wished to return to Justin Fields.
In keeping with Breer, Tomlin may need been reluctant to exit on his personal with a quarterback once more after the Wilson scenario ended so poorly.
“I believe folks there would let you know that the Russell Wilson factor undermines so many issues within the final month of the season and that a whole lot of that constructing actually wished them to return to Justin Fields,” Breer mentioned, via Liam McKeone of SI. “And it was one thing the place Tomlin was type of, once more, all on his personal on that one. And I believe it’s a part of the explanation why — Tomlin appreciated Shedeur going into the draft. However I don’t suppose Tomlin wished to press that button once more at quarterback after what occurred with Russell on the finish of the yr final yr.”
Studies recommended the Steelers did not necessarily see Sanders as a dynamic talent. Tomlin might have appreciated him greater than the group did as a complete, however going out on his personal and vouching for one more quarterback this quickly after letting Wilson stroll would have been a giant threat.
As a substitute, the Steelers have kind of committed to waiting on Aaron Rodgers. That could be a threat as properly, however one may argue it’s much less of 1 than entrusting the group to Sanders.
