Steelers sign former Washington QB Dwayne Haskins
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins has found a new home in less than a month after the Washington Football Team cut him.
Haskins and the Steelers agreed to a one-year deal, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by the team.
The #Steelers and QB Dwayne Haskins have now agreed to terms on a contract, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2021
We have signed DB Stephen Denmark, QB Dwayne Haskins, TE Charles Jones and TE Dax Raymond to Reserve/Future contracts. @BordasLawhttps://t.co/9tnTdPDoSb
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 21, 2021
Rapoport reported earlier Thursday that Haskins was meeting with the Steelers, and had visited with the Carolina Panthers.
Former Washington Football Team QB Dwayne Haskins has a visit with the #Steelers today, sources say. Some potential QB depth and upside. The free agent and ex-first round pick also recently visited the #Panthers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2021
Haskins will try again in Pittsburgh
Haskins wasn’t picked up by any teams after his dramatic exit from Washington in December, when he was fined $40,000 and stripped of his captaincy after being photographed without a mask at a party, a violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols. He started the next game, a Week 16 matchup with the Panthers and was benched in the fourth quarter. Washington released him the following day.
With Ben Roethlisberger still undecided on retirement, at least publicly, Haskins’ role isn’t clear. If Roethlisberger returns, Haskins certainly won’t have a starting job, and his performance during the 2020 season didn’t merit one. However, a change of scenery and a new head coach could have a positive impact on him.
Haskins was the final first-round draft pick of the Jay Gruden era, and Washington’s first-year head coach Ron Rivera never seemed to warm to him.
If Haskins improves, who knows what his role could be in 2021 or when Roethlisberger retires. He’s a 23-year-old former first-round draft pick who likely hasn’t reached his potential. At the very least he’ll provide the Steelers with QB depth, and it’s possible he could give them much more.
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