Steelers back makes revealing comment about difference in QB situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers completely overhauled their quarterback room this offseason by saying goodbye to Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph while bringing in Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Brandon Allen.

It remains to be seen how those changes will make an impact on the field, but they are already getting pretty significant reviews off the field before the season even begins.

During an appearance on teammate Cam Heyward's live show during the NFL Draft, running back Jaylen Warren said there has been a "night and day difference" from last year and that the new leadership from the position "speaks volumes."

That is not only high praise for the way Wilson, Fields and Allen have already started to fit in, but it also seems like a pretty strong statement on what was happening a year ago. 

Not only did the Steelers quarterbacks badly struggle – specifically Pickett and Trubisky – but there was also some drama late in the year when reports surfaced about Pickett being unhappy he did not get his starting job back before the end of the season. Despite being medically cleared to play, Pickett remained as a backup in the final weeks of the season and into the playoffs after Rudolph performed well enough to help get the Steelers in the postseason. 

Following the signing of Wilson in free agency to a bargain contract, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

That trade set things in motion for the Steelers to acquire Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. 

It is likely that the Steelers' long-term quarterback solution is still not on the roster, but they have at least given themselves a chance to make a significant upgrade at the position in the short term. The Steelers still won 19 games the past two years (including 10 in 2023) despite having some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL. 

It is at least logical to think that – given the strength of their defense and some of the playmakers they have on offense – even average quarterback play could put them in the running for the AFC North division title this season.