Making Lemonade from Lemons

[deljzc]

Okay... the die has been rolled and we now have McCarthy for the next 4 years.

What are "best case scenarios" at this point (and I'm trying to be as realistic as possible)

1. At QB, I do think the best case scenario is now Rogers comes back. I say that only because there is NO WAY McCarthy is going into 2026 with only Rudolph and Howard. Or somehow thinking he sees a starter between those two. Every other option that isn't Rogers seems bad to me and potentially REALLY bad. Like forcing a QB at pick #21 or 2nd rounder and McCarthy hitching his wagon trying to make a fringe B prospect into our franchise QB. I mean, we have to understand that is a very real possibility. We force a QB like we forced Pickett and we are wallowing in QB hell for the this entire 4-year experiment.

2. If Rogers does return, that also means we likely use "best player available" in this years draft, where we potentially have 5 picks in the top-100. We need speed and skill in my opinion. WR, DB are top priorities for me. Maybe some 3rd round talent depth at OL and DL.

3. Let's say we go into 2026 with Rogers. I'm not one to root for injuries but the guy is 43 and there is a very real possibility he doesn't last 2026 as our starter. We use our backups and the season goes to **** anyhow. Hello 2027 high draft pick.

4. If we do start to tank with an injured Rogers, the potential to trade Watt becomes very real.


So look, I wanted a "project 2027" type of attitude around here and there is a very real path I see to get there, maybe unintentionally because our franchise can't see two weeks ahead.

I think Rogers comes back and that in itself has the potential to really help a project 2027 attitude even if by mistake. Omar has had good drafts in the past couple years. Take forcing a QB off the table and I suspect he could do well again. The roster isn't all that bad. Needs a lot of depth, but draft picks will help.

This is what I am realistically hoping.

The nightmare scenario is we force someone like Simpson or Beck at pick #21. I think we all know that's a real possibility. And unless the tape and general internet opinion of those two prospects is wrong and either/or is a real franchise guy, think of how that will dictate our next 3-4 years around here.

All the other roster decisions are pretty much minor internet fodder. Sure we can cut this guy, sign this free agent, fill in this hole with someone different or the same, but the BIG decisions, the decisions that are going to make or break this franchise over the entire McCarthy era, start with what we do at QB right now, who we draft (how well Omar/McCarthy work) and what we do with Watt (i.e. can we get anything of worth for him, do we, and when). Those are the big three decisions in my opinion. Those are the game changers.

 

[slashsteel]

Not seeing Simpson as a nightmare situation. He has a good release and is accurate. I think he is a solid option now that he has dropped to late teens early twenties..

Whatever they do Rudy needs to be off the roster. Enough is enough. I prefer to let two young QBs fight it out for the job..

 

[steelhurt]

Something I’ve been thinking about with these college QBs.
There could be a guy who didn’t exactly live up to expectations who with proper coaching at the next level can really excel.
I think back to Dan Marino and before you get excited let me explain.
Dan’s senior year at Pitt was not his best season.
He actually threw more INTs than TDs his senior year which contributed to his falling in the draft plus the rumors of drugs.
Dan got drafted by the Dolphins and turned into a legendary QB. Point being, you just never know.
Don Shula and the Fins scouts obviously took into consideration Dans other years at Pitt.
So you take someone like Klubnik who didn’t have the season everyone thought he would and maybe with proper coaching at the next level he shines.
I’m not endorsing Klubnik only using him as an example. You could also include Allar, Simpson, Mateer in the conversation. You just never know.

 

[slashsteel]

Something I’ve been thinking about with these college QBs.
There could be a guy who didn’t exactly live up to expectations who with proper coaching at the next level can really excel.
I think back to Dan Marino and before you get excited let me explain.
Dan’s senior year at Pitt was not his best season.
He actually threw more INTs than TDs his senior year which contributed to his falling in the draft plus the rumors of drugs.
Dan got drafted by the Dolphins and turned into a legendary QB. Point being, you just never know.
Don Shula and the Fins scouts obviously took into consideration Dans other years at Pitt.
So you take someone like Klubnik who didn’t have the season everyone thought he would and maybe with proper coaching at the next level he shines.
I’m not endorsing Klubnik only using him as an example. You could also include Allar, Simpson, Mateer in the conversation. You just never know.

Mateer unfortunately won’t be available. He could be something IMO with the right coach..

 

[stillwright]

Not seeing Simpson as a nightmare situation. He has a good release and is accurate. I think he is a solid option now that he has dropped to late teens early twenties..

Whatever they do Rudy needs to be off the roster. Enough is enough. I prefer to let two young QBs fight it out for the job..

I doubt Rudy goes anywhere. He is a cheap Vet.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Something I’ve been thinking about with these college QBs.
There could be a guy who didn’t exactly live up to expectations who with proper coaching at the next level can really excel.
I think back to Dan Marino and before you get excited let me explain.
Dan’s senior year at Pitt was not his best season.
He actually threw more INTs than TDs his senior year which contributed to his falling in the draft plus the rumors of drugs.
Dan got drafted by the Dolphins and turned into a legendary QB. Point being, you just never know.
Don Shula and the Fins scouts obviously took into consideration Dans other years at Pitt.
So you take someone like Klubnik who didn’t have the season everyone thought he would and maybe with proper coaching at the next level he shines.
I’m not endorsing Klubnik only using him as an example. You could also include Allar, Simpson, Mateer in the conversation. You just never know.

If they draft one this year I think there are 3 options:

Ty Simpson
Through late October, Simpson's film had his draft stock skyrocketing. He was in discussion as competing to be one of the top 3 QBs and a top-10 pick. Good production with over 3,500 yards, 28 TDs to just 5 INTs, and 64.5% completions. He has some mobility in the pocket and overall good awareness. Injuries late in the year contributed to a decline in success. The plus is injuries were a factor, however, that's a big minus as well because he has a relatively small frame and could be injury prone in the NFL. The lack of experience is another issue combined with his age--already 23 years old. He won't be high on my draft board, though I do see a path to success with him at QB. I think his potential puts him somewhere between a Nix and Maye type prospect. His lack of experience concerns me, but his upside is good if he lives up to his potential.

Cade Klubnik
For years we've heard about his talent and that he should be a top draft pick. His play never matched his potential. However, that didn't stop the Steelers from scouting Clemson games throughout the season. His production peaked in 2024 with 36 TDs to just 6 INTs and his completion % improved this past season. Loads of starting experience. He's a good athlete, though isn't consistent. Despite his experience, he's not a polished passer, which can be ok depending on the offense. Again, a Box Nix style prospect. He'll need good coaching to elevate his play.

Drew Allar
When it comes to Allar, I can only he see him coming up small in big moments. Need a big throw...interception. His draft stock tanked this season and he may have been a top 10 pick if he came out last year based on potential. Prototypical size at 6'5" 235 and elite arm strength, relatively mobile for his size. Made a huge leap from 2023-24, but didn't light up the cupcakes early in the 2025 season and looked pedestrian overall. Really struggles when pressured yet is very good working in structure. Is he a case of wasted potential due to coaching or is he simply not good?

 

[steelhurt]

Mateer unfortunately won’t be available. He could be something IMO with the right coach.

If they draft one this year I think there are 3 options:

Ty Simpson
Through late October, Simpson's film had his draft stock skyrocketing. He was in discussion as competing to be one of the top 3 QBs and a top-10 pick. Good production with over 3,500 yards, 28 TDs to just 5 INTs, and 64.5% completions. He has some mobility in the pocket and overall good awareness. Injuries late in the year contributed to a decline in success. The plus is injuries were a factor, however, that's a big minus as well because he has a relatively small frame and could be injury prone in the NFL. The lack of experience is another issue combined with his age--already 23 years old. He won't be high on my draft board, though I do see a path to success with him at QB. I think his potential puts him somewhere between a Nix and Maye type prospect. His lack of experience concerns me, but his upside is good if he lives up to his potential.

Cade Klubnik
For years we've heard about his talent and that he should be a top draft pick. His play never matched his potential. However, that didn't stop the Steelers from scouting Clemson games throughout the season. His production peaked in 2024 with 36 TDs to just 6 INTs and his completion % improved this past season. Loads of starting experience. He's a good athlete, though isn't consistent. Despite his experience, he's not a polished passer, which can be ok depending on the offense. Again, a Box Nix style prospect. He'll need good coaching to elevate his play.

Drew Allar
When it comes to Allar, I can only he see him coming up small in big moments. Need a big throw...interception. His draft stock tanked this season and he may have been a top 10 pick if he came out last year based on potential. Prototypical size at 6'5" 235 and elite arm strength, relatively mobile for his size. Made a huge leap from 2023-24, but didn't light up the cupcakes early in the 2025 season and looked pedestrian overall. Really struggles when pressured yet is very good working in structure. Is he a case of wasted potential due to coaching or is he simply not good?

Yep, I concur!

 

[fedderone]

If they draft one this year I think there are 3 options:

Ty Simpson
Through late October, Simpson's film had his draft stock skyrocketing. He was in discussion as competing to be one of the top 3 QBs and a top-10 pick. Good production with over 3,500 yards, 28 TDs to just 5 INTs, and 64.5% completions. He has some mobility in the pocket and overall good awareness. Injuries late in the year contributed to a decline in success. The plus is injuries were a factor, however, that's a big minus as well because he has a relatively small frame and could be injury prone in the NFL. The lack of experience is another issue combined with his age--already 23 years old. He won't be high on my draft board, though I do see a path to success with him at QB. I think his potential puts him somewhere between a Nix and Maye type prospect. His lack of experience concerns me, but his upside is good if he lives up to his potential.

Cade Klubnik
For years we've heard about his talent and that he should be a top draft pick. His play never matched his potential. However, that didn't stop the Steelers from scouting Clemson games throughout the season. His production peaked in 2024 with 36 TDs to just 6 INTs and his completion % improved this past season. Loads of starting experience. He's a good athlete, though isn't consistent. Despite his experience, he's not a polished passer, which can be ok depending on the offense. Again, a Box Nix style prospect. He'll need good coaching to elevate his play.

Drew Allar
When it comes to Allar, I can only he see him coming up small in big moments. Need a big throw...interception. His draft stock tanked this season and he may have been a top 10 pick if he came out last year based on potential. Prototypical size at 6'5" 235 and elite arm strength, relatively mobile for his size. Made a huge leap from 2023-24, but didn't light up the cupcakes early in the 2025 season and looked pedestrian overall. Really struggles when pressured yet is very good working in structure. Is he a case of wasted potential due to coaching or is he simply not good?

I want ZERO QBs from this class.
It reeks of the Pickett class.
Punt until next year.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Add a day 2 pick to the QB room
Sign a free agent QB that is under 30
Add a UDFA camp arm

Let the new additions fight it out with Rudy and Howard and the best 3 stay

On no planet do I wanna see another year of the geriatric Rodgers compromising the building block or bridge year for year 1 of McCarthy

McCarthy has a good track record for QBs

The only way I see this as a legit signing is if he is part of getting the future QB into the starting role and developing QBs that are on the roster

Another year of Rodgers is back to the same old square peg game we’ve come to watch for years

 

[slashsteel]

Add a day 2 pick to the QB room
Sign a free agent QB that is under 30
Add a UDFA camp arm

Let the new additions fight it out with Rudy and Howard and the best 3 stay

On no planet do I wanna see another year of the geriatric Rodgers compromising the building block or bridge year for year 1 of McCarthy

McCarthy has a good track record for QBs

The only way I see this as a legit signing is if he is part of getting the future QB into the starting role and developing QBs that are on the roster

Another year of Rodgers is back to the same old square peg game we’ve come to watch for years

You had me until Rudy…

 

[bermudasteel]

Something I’ve been thinking about with these college QBs.
There could be a guy who didn’t exactly live up to expectations who with proper coaching at the next level can really excel.
I think back to Dan Marino and before you get excited let me explain.
Dan’s senior year at Pitt was not his best season.
He actually threw more INTs than TDs his senior year which contributed to his falling in the draft plus the rumors of drugs.
Dan got drafted by the Dolphins and turned into a legendary QB. Point being, you just never know.
Don Shula and the Fins scouts obviously took into consideration Dans other years at Pitt.
So you take someone like Klubnik who didn’t have the season everyone thought he would and maybe with proper coaching at the next level he shines.
I’m not endorsing Klubnik only using him as an example. You could also include Allar, Simpson, Mateer in the conversation. You just never know.

I'm going to weigh in on Ty Simpson because I've watched ask of his film and game day play.

Leader - check
Tough - check
Clutch - no
Mobile - above average
Arm strength - mid tier
Awareness - mid trending downward

NFL comparison - Kenny Pickett

I rest my case. Pass.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

You had me until Rudy…

He’s the ultimate test for McCarthy

After McCarthy polishes up the turd in the preseason we get a conditional 6th in his departure

It’s all part of the master plan

Gotta give the guys a bar to jump over in camp/preseason

 

[Fiji Mariner]

I'm going to weigh in on Ty Simpson because I've watched ask of his film and game day play.

Leader - check
Tough - check
Clutch - no
Mobile - above average
Arm strength - mid tier
Awareness - mid trending downward

NFL comparison - Kenny Pickett

I rest my case. Pass.

He’s better than Pickett

That’s by no means an endorsement of him

Just reinforcing how bad Pickett sucks

 

[slashsteel]

I'm going to weigh in on Ty Simpson because I've watched ask of his film and game day play.

Leader - check
Tough - check
Clutch - no
Mobile - above average
Arm strength - mid tier
Awareness - mid trending downward

NFL comparison - Kenny Pickett

I rest my case. Pass.

He has a faster release than Kenny, he doesn’t drift into sacks, as far as I know he doesn’t have midget hands but that is a wait and see…

Kenny has some peeps snake bitten, I don’t think this guy is Kenny. Will he be a starter ? Possibly. A franchise? I don’t know but we can’t go into this process and never swing. You don’t get home runs sitting in the dugout…

 

[deljzc]

I want ZERO QBs from this class.
It reeks of the Pickett class.
Punt until next year.

This is my opinion as well. I just don't trust it.

And that's why I'm kind of all on board for another year (ONLY ONE) of Rogers.

It you really believe we are too far away for a serious run in 2026, what is WRONG with Rogers? Especially if you don't partcularly like a QB at #21 or #53 from this draft class.

Rogers is kind of a guarantee short-term band aid. All the other options potentially lead to a much longer band aid. And I don't think any of us like that.

Again.... I guess you either believe we are some maricle away from 2026 being important or you already have 2026 written off. Rogers WRITES OFF 2026. Don't even think about it. Don't worry about it. Maybe we go 10-7 again. Maybe 9-8. Maybe Tomlin's magic to find 9 winds goes away and we go 7-10 or 6-11. In the big picture it doens't matter.

This whole rebuilding effort, with or without McCarthy doing his thing, starts when we get a young QB. I just think if you don't like the 2026 options (which I don't), getting Rogers pushes it off until 2027. That's a plus to me.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

Historically we've had a big strong guy with a big arm to play QB in Pittsburgh.

Here is NFL Draft Buzz's top 10, according to their reports, Nussmeier, Chambliss, and Klubnik have big arms but are shorter. Simpson has the double whammy, Allar has size and a rocket. Total crap shoot, but please don't draft another Pickett.

Mendoza 6'5", 225
Simpson 6'2", 208
Nussmeier 6'1", 205
Beck 6'4", 220
Klubnik 6'2", 210
Pavia 6'0", 207
Chambliss 6'1", 200
Allar 6'5", 235
Green 6'6", 224
Robinson 6'4", 220

 

[CoolieMan]

I want ZERO QBs from this class.
It reeks of the Pickett class.
Punt until next year.

agreed

also kick rudy to the curb

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Okay... the die has been rolled and we now have McCarthy for the next 4 years.

What are "best case scenarios" at this point (and I'm trying to be as realistic as possible)

1. At QB, I do think the best case scenario is now Rogers comes back. I say that only because there is NO WAY McCarthy is going into 2026 with only Rudolph and Howard. Or somehow thinking he sees a starter between those two. Every other option that isn't Rogers seems bad to me and potentially REALLY bad. Like forcing a QB at pick #21 or 2nd rounder and McCarthy hitching his wagon trying to make a fringe B prospect into our franchise QB. I mean, we have to understand that is a very real possibility. We force a QB like we forced Pickett and we are wallowing in QB hell for the this entire 4-year experiment.

2. If Rogers does return, that also means we likely use "best player available" in this years draft, where we potentially have 5 picks in the top-100. We need speed and skill in my opinion. WR, DB are top priorities for me. Maybe some 3rd round talent depth at OL and DL.

3. Let's say we go into 2026 with Rogers. I'm not one to root for injuries but the guy is 43 and there is a very real possibility he doesn't last 2026 as our starter. We use our backups and the season goes to **** anyhow. Hello 2027 high draft pick.

4. If we do start to tank with an injured Rogers, the potential to trade Watt becomes very real.


So look, I wanted a "project 2027" type of attitude around here and there is a very real path I see to get there, maybe unintentionally because our franchise can't see two weeks ahead.

I think Rogers comes back and that in itself has the potential to really help a project 2027 attitude even if by mistake. Omar has had good drafts in the past couple years. Take forcing a QB off the table and I suspect he could do well again. The roster isn't all that bad. Needs a lot of depth, but draft picks will help.

This is what I am realistically hoping.

The nightmare scenario is we force someone like Simpson or Beck at pick #21. I think we all know that's a real possibility. And unless the tape and general internet opinion of those two prospects is wrong and either/or is a real franchise guy, think of how that will dictate our next 3-4 years around here.

All the other roster decisions are pretty much minor internet fodder. Sure we can cut this guy, sign this free agent, fill in this hole with someone different or the same, but the BIG decisions, the decisions that are going to make or break this franchise over the entire McCarthy era, start with what we do at QB right now, who we draft (how well Omar/McCarthy work) and what we do with Watt (i.e. can we get anything of worth for him, do we, and when). Those are the big three decisions in my opinion. Those are the game changers.

1. Agree, talking A-Aron into coming back is our best option. The second-best option is signing another free agent veteran, so 6 of one and a half-dozen of the other.
2. Agree. Also with a new DC and defensive coaches we might be able to develop a DB for a change.
3. Agree. Rudolph is an adequate backup. Howard is too soon to say but he was a 6th rounder fer crissakes.
4. I doubt that Watt gets traded unless he wants to go to a contender. That would be the Steelers' version of tanking and the Steelers don't tank.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

This is my opinion as well. I just don't trust it.

And that's why I'm kind of all on board for another year (ONLY ONE) of Rogers.

It you really believe we are too far away for a serious run in 2026, what is WRONG with Rogers? Especially if you don't partcularly like a QB at #21 or #53 from this draft class.

Rogers is kind of a guarantee short-term band aid. All the other options potentially lead to a much longer band aid. And I don't think any of us like that.

Again.... I guess you either believe we are some maricle away from 2026 being important or you already have 2026 written off. Rogers WRITES OFF 2026. Don't even think about it. Don't worry about it. Maybe we go 10-7 again. Maybe 9-8. Maybe Tomlin's magic to find 9 winds goes away and we go 7-10 or 6-11. In the big picture it doens't matter.

This whole rebuilding effort, with or without McCarthy doing his thing, starts when we get a young QB. I just think if you don't like the 2026 options (which I don't), getting Rogers pushes it off until 2027. That's a plus to me.

Hard pass on running back for 10-7/9-8, that's what we all hated with Tomlin. Give the ball to Howard and take a flier on a guy in round 3 or 4. If they tank, they get a first round QB in 2027.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Your lemonade is the starting qb being injured and tanked for a '27 draft pick that is sour lemonade.

 

[deljzc]

Well... I don't look just one season

Your lemonade is the starting qb being injured and tanked for a '27 draft pick that is sour lemonade.

Well, I don't look just one season at a time and hope to catch lighting in a bottle. That's basically the Tomlin way it just sucks.

And if they keep trying that, you better damn well hope it backfires and something good comes out of it.

 

[topseed]

It you really believe we are too far away for a serious run in 2026, what is WRONG with Rogers? Especially if you don't partcularly like a QB at #21 or #53 from this draft class.

First of all, "Rodgers" has a "d" in it.

What's WRONG with another year of Rodgers is that you don't find out if Will Howard is any good or not. Yeah, he was a sixth-round pick. I don't care. Purdy was the last guy taken in the 2022 draft, and he's turned out all right. You let Rudolph and Howard compete for the starting job. If Rudolph wins it, or Howard wins it but shlts the bed during the season, you have your answer, and you take a QB in a rich 2027 draft. If Howard succeeds, then you proceed with him.

Bringing back Rodgers makes absolutely zero sense to me. His advanced age was evident by the end of this season. I don't want to watch another version of him which is shorter of breath, and one year closer to death.

 

[SteelerFan448]

First of all, "Rodgers" has a "d" in it.

What's WRONG with another year of Rodgers is that you don't find out if Will Howard is any good or not. Yeah, he was a sixth-round pick. I don't care. Purdy was the last guy taken in the 2022 draft, and he's turned out all right. You let Rudolph and Howard compete for the starting job. If Rudolph wins it, or Howard wins it but shlts the bed during the season, you have your answer, and you take a QB in a rich 2027 draft. If Howard succeeds, then you proceed with him.

Bringing back Rodgers makes absolutely zero sense to me. His advanced age was evident by the end of this season. I don't want to watch another version of him which is shorter of breath, and one year closer to death.

I'm very tempted to go with the Browns route...yeah, I want to find a young QB that bad.

Sign a Flacco or Mariota, have Howard as QB2, and then add Klubnik or Allar in the middle rounds if they fall that far (don't reach). Ideally, one of the young QBs flashes enough potential to start for most of the season. If it doesn't work out, hope next year's draft class actually lives up to the hype.

 

[topseed]

I'm very tempted to go with the Browns route...yeah, I want to find a young QB that bad.

Sign a Flacco or Mariota, have Howard as QB2, and then add Klubnik or Allar in the middle rounds if they fall that far (don't reach). Ideally, one of the young QBs flashes enough potential to start for most of the season. If it doesn't work out, hope next year's draft class actually lives up to the hype.

So you've already given up on Howard....based on what?

 

[WindyCitySteel]

I'm very tempted to go with the Browns route...yeah, I want to find a young QB that bad.

Sign a Flacco or Mariota, have Howard as QB2, and then add Klubnik or Allar in the middle rounds if they fall that far (don't reach). Ideally, one of the young QBs flashes enough potential to start for most of the season. If it doesn't work out, hope next year's draft class actually lives up to the hype.

What's the point of a Flacco or Mariota? This isn't a Super Bowl roster, you're just doing what we've been doing for years.