Ever since we learned 2021 would be Ben Roethlisberger’s final season, rumors have been swirling as to who we’ll see line up under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. We’ve seen a plethora of media outlets throw some big-time names into the Steelers’ bucket. We’ve seen various mock drafts showing the Steelers using their 20th overall selection on Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis. We’ve even heard Steelers’ alumni chime in on who they think would be the best fit.
This is where Ryan Shazier enters the chat.
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Shazier has not only played with one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in Roethlisberger, but he’s played against some of the best in Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers. Earlier this past week, Shazier joined the crew at 93.7 The Fan to talk about his thoughts on the future of the Steelers, including who he thinks would fit best in Pittsburgh. So, who does Shazier like to take over the QB1 spot in Pittsburgh? Well, he replied by saying:
“To me personally you know, I was vouching that we get Aaron Rodgers but I don’t know how that would look like financially. Honestly, all of us love to the city of Pittsburgh, but Aaron, would he want a bigger city or would he not? That plays into some people’s decision. To me, I know some people are like ‘hey we should get Jimmy [Garoppolo]’, ‘we shouldn’t get Jimmy,’ to me, I wouldn’t be surprised or upset if we get Jimmy, and the reason I say that is because we just named all these quarterbacks. Obviously, Joe Burrow, he’s one, he’s at the Super Bowl right now. But Jimmy has been to multiple Super Bowls, he’s won Super Bowls, obviously he wasn’t the head guy, but he’s won Super Bowls, but then he also has the experience of winning consistently in the playoffs and has Super Bowl experience. So, I think somebody like that could really help out our team because we have a solid team, we have to work on our o-line, but we have a solid team and so I wouldn’t be surprised with that. Me personally, I don’t think we should draft a quarterback.”
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We are all aware of how current General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed their desire for a proven veteran quarterback who can move around in the pocket. I agree with Shazier in that Garoppolo fits that profile. Looking at his 2021 season, Garoppolo threw for 3,810 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. For reference, Roethlisberger threw for 3,740 yards with 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. From a financial perspective, Garoppolo is in the final year of his contract in 2022, and carries a cap hit of $26,950,000. To get Garoppolo to come to Pittsburgh, the Steelers will have to trade for him and be able to afford his cap hit; both they can certainly do. Recent reports indicate the San Francisco 49ers are seeking a ‘second round pick or better’ in dealing Garoppolo. Therefore, the question is simple; would the Steelers use one of their top picks in 2022 on a 30-year-old quarterback with a near $27,000,000 price tag? I think so.
Is Garoppolo an elite, top-tier quarterback? Not necessarily. But if Rodgers decides to stay in Green Bay and Russell Wilson takes another job elsewhere, Garoppolo gives the Steelers the best chance to not only win, but clear that playoff hurdle. The Steelers are indeed in ‘win-now’ mode, and they can’t skimp on the quarterback position in 2022.
I am all aboard the ‘Jimmy G. to Pittsburgh’ hype train. Who is with me? Who do you think would be a better fit? Do you agree with Shazier? Let us know in the comments!
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