Can The Steelers Turn To The XFL For Their Third-String Quarterback?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still in need of a third-string quarterback. With Mason Rudolph seemingly having zero interest in a return to Pittsburgh, the team has very few options at this point in the offseason with many of the well-known backup free agent quarterbacks signing elsewhere. Fortunately, the Steelers have a rare opportunity this offseason to add players from the XFL as they have already invited offensive lineman, Chidi Okeke from the San Antonio Brahmas and Hakeem Butler from the St. Louis Battlehawks to rookie minicamp. 

Interestingly enough, Butler's quarterback with the Battlehawks may be an intriguing option for the Steelers to consider and has already garnered interest in many NFL circles, including none other than the former Alabama National Championship-winning quarterback, A.J. McCarron. Originally a fifth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014, he has played six seasons in the NFL, making four career starts. With his experience as a backup in the NFL combined with his impressive play in the XFL this season, McCarron may be a name to keep an eye on over the coming weeks. 

Many thought the Steelers would target Ben DiNucci from the XFL, who played his first three seasons of college football at the University of Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, DiNucci has already accepted an invite from the Denver Broncos for their rookie minicamp. While the former Pittsburgh Panther is younger than McCarron, he lacks NFL experience as he only has one career start in two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Steelers Have The Potential To Reunite The Former Battlehawks' Teammates

McCarron and Butler had a special connection this season in the XFL, as the Battlehawks had one of the most prolific offenses in the entire league. 

As of now, the only other quarterback on the roster besides Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky is Tanner Morgan, a recently signed undrafted rookie free agent who played collegiately at the University of Minnesota. While Morgan shows promise of being a successful backup in the NFL, the Steelers will undoubtedly look to add another quarterback prior to the start of training camp. Could McCarron possibly be what the Steelers are looking for? Certainly possible, as the team is running out of options for available quarterbacks. 

Would McCarron Consider Returning To The NFL In A Backup Role?

After an extremely successful first season in the XFL, it is entirely possible that McCarron may not be interested in returning to the NFL in a backup capacity. He reportedly turned down offers this past season from NFL teams in order to play in the XFL, noting his desire to have his children watch him play. 

If McCarron does have interest in a return to the NFL this season, the Steelers should be one of the first teams to reach out, as he has more than proved his ability to play effectively and would serve as a valuable mentor to Pickett. He would serve as an upgrade over Morgan and would allow the Steelers to have their top three quarterbacks in place prior to the start of training camp. Regardless of what he decides, McCarron deserves a ton of props for his performance in the XFL this season. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How would you feel about the Steelers bringing in McCarron as their QB3 this offseason? Do you view him as an upgrade over Morgan? Are there any other quarterbacks you would like to see the team sign? Leave a comment! 

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