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 might need supplied some perception as to why they did.
In an look on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Albert Breer of The MMQB prompt Russell Wilson’s struggles final season might need been a deciding issue in opposition to the Steelers deciding on Sanders. Coach Mike Tomlin preferred Sanders, however he had additionally preferred Wilson and caught with the veteran quarterback even when most within the constructing needed to return to Justin Fields.
In response to Breer, Tomlin might need been reluctant to exit on his personal with a quarterback once more after the Wilson scenario ended so poorly.
“I feel folks there would inform you that the Russell Wilson factor undermines so many issues within the final month of the season and that a number of that constructing actually needed them to return to Justin Fields,” Breer mentioned, via Liam McKeone of SI. “And it was one thing the place Tomlin was form of, once more, all on his personal on that one. And I feel it’s a part of the rationale why — Tomlin preferred Shedeur going into the draft. However I don’t assume Tomlin needed to press that button once more at quarterback after what occurred with Russell on the finish of the 12 months final 12 months.”
Experiences prompt the Steelers did not necessarily see Sanders as a dynamic talent. Tomlin could have preferred him greater than the group did as an entire, however going out on his personal and vouching for one more quarterback this quickly after letting Wilson stroll would have been an enormous danger.
As a substitute, the Steelers have kind of committed to waiting on Aaron Rodgers. That could be a danger as nicely, however one might argue it’s much less of 1 than entrusting the group to Sanders.
