Who is the best Steelers quarterback in 2024?

With July officially here, I’m going to take the time to rank the Steelers roster by position group before training camp begins. The ultimate goal will be to create a ranked list of every play on the roster before camp begins.

The rankings will be a mix of criteria. I’m primarily interested in players who will put the Steelers in the best position to win this year. While long-term potential is considered, I’m less concerned with what a player can bring in 2025 than what he can do for the team this year.

For the recruits, their level of professional preparation will be taken into account as well as their projection on the roster. We start today with the quarterbacks, and this group is entirely new.

4. John Ryees Plumlee

It must be said that John Ryees Plumlee got the largest signing bonus in Steelers history for an undrafted free agent, but that’s more a testament to the fact that NFL teams have been bending that rule to get the best undrafted options. Quarterback is a premium position, so if this team is going to add one at this point, they’re going to have to pay more to get a bigger name.

Plumlee was a fun player to watch. He played receiver and quarterback for most of his career, and his athleticism is evident on tape. While he was a fun player to watch, he also wasn’t a good signal-caller in school. He lacks arm strength and his accuracy is spotty. It’s hard to see him lasting at quarterback given these issues, and I don’t expect him to make a push to make the active roster. His best chance long-term is at receiver.

3. Kyle Allen

One of my favorite signings this season, Kyle Allen is a well-traveled backup with a lot of experience. While he hasn’t quite found his footing as a starter, he can get on the field for a few games and hold his own against opposing defenses. Frankly, I think he’d be a good second option, so having him as a 3-way QB is a huge plus.

The real question is whether the team will have three quarterbacks this season. A new rule allows a quarterback to be promoted from the practice squad as many times as you want to an emergency option. The Steelers could choose to keep him on the practice squad and use his roster spot elsewhere. Assuming they keep three, Allen should be on the roster.

2. Justin Fields

There is a contingent of fans who believe Justin Fields is the Steelers’ best option in 2024. While I like his game and see the traits that could justify that, ultimately he needs to become a more consistent player. While I’m willing to give him time to develop in that sense, I don’t think he’s there yet.

The Steelers are building an offense that relies on their defense holding off opposing offenses and their offense doing just enough to win. Runs of no playmaking will kill this team, and Fields can’t be trusted in that area yet. Unless he shows big runs in that area in camp, there’s probably a better option to use to succeed this season.

1. Russell Wilson

Like it or not, Russell Wilson is currently this team’s best option to help Pittsburgh win this year. While he’s not the dynamic version of himself from years past, he’s shown some signs of life even if he doesn’t fit the Broncos’ plans. While I don’t see him going back, he should be a solid starter for this team.

At the very least, he’s a marked improvement over what the Steelers fielded last year. Unless time has decimated him and his regression hits a new low, Wilson gives Pittsburgh the best chance to win this year, and he beats Fields as the best quarterback in the room.

Coming soon. The Steelers extending Najee Harris’ contract this offseason would be a bad deal. The Steelers extending Najee Harris’ contract this offseason would be a bad deal.