Steelers' Mike Tomlin's Inability To Identify Or Develop A Quarterback Is The NFL's "Best-Kept Secret"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in quarterback purgatory for the 2025 season. The team has clarified their preference: they want to bring back Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. However, those players may not be an option. They are both free agents and could be tempted by another team, one offering them more money or better weapons. This is particularly true in the case of Fields, who, despite his struggles, shows tremendous athletic abilities and is still quite young. 

Since they haven't signed a starter to a contract for 2025, they are being linked to every quarterback in the league who is even remotely available, including Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. The rumors surrounding Stafford's chance of coming to Pittsburgh grew legs when it was reported that his agent had been permitted to seek a trade. The biggest drawback seems to be compensation; Stafford appears to want close to $50 million a year. While the Steelers are in a good cap situation, they have a lot of needs and aren't just a quarterback away from a Super Bowl. 

However, on The Facility, former NFL linebacker turned analyst, Emmanuel Acho said he thinks the Steelers will need to invest in a pre-made quarterback. He doesn't believe Head Coach Mike Tomlin has the skills to work with a young player who needs development. He said that's why Stafford, or someone like him, makes the most sense for the Steel City. 

"The best-kept secret, maybe in all of the NFL, is Mike Tomlin's inability to identify or develop a quality quarterback," said Acho. "100% the best-kept secret in the NFL. Because we praise Mike Tomlin, and rightfully so, I think 17 consecutive seasons without a losing record. But Mike Tomlin cannot develop a quarterback. Mike Tomlin cannot identify a quarterback. So Mike Tomlin, if you cannot develop or identify a quality quarterback because Ben Roethlisberger was not yours; he was Bill Cowher's, then what you have to do is acquire a quarterback who's already a future Hall of Famer. That's what you did with Big Ben, hence two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl win. The only way the Steelers can get to where they want to go is if they do in fact get Matthew Stafford, unless you suggest Russell Wilson can win you a Super Bowl."

Acho says that Wilson was not the Steelers' biggest problem in 2024. He was not the reason they lost in the playoffs. However, he thinks Stafford is a better quarterback at this point. He added that we've seen the Steelers pick up multiple young quarterbacks and fail to develop them: Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Devlin Hodges. This means that Tomlin's hands are tied, and the team will have to stick to quarterbacks who are already winners. 

To be fair, Tomlin hasn't really had the opportunity to work with a true first-round talent. Rudolph was a third-round pick, Hodges was undrafted, and Pickett was a clear reach in the first round. When Pickett was drafted, they had a terrible offensive line and an even worse offensive coordinator. If the Steelers re-sign Fields, he will need some development. Steelers Quarterback Coach Tom Arth has only been with the team for one year, and the same is true with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Perhaps they will have success with Fields. 

Steelers Not Looking To Draft For Quarterback Help

Many fans believe the Steelers should go all in and trade up in the draft to snag a rookie quarterback. Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart are a couple names who have even been mocked to Pittsburgh. 

However, most insiders do not think that will happen. Mark Kaboly recently said, "They all stink," and doubts that the Steelers would waste draft capital to move up to get someone like Sanders. He said the middle round guys are worth it, they'd be better off using that pick for a player who can impact this year. 

Do you agree with Acho that Tomlin cannot develop a quarterback? Tell us what you think below! 

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