Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis urged the team to avoid drafting a rookie quarterback soon, citing a lack of supporting talent. He emphasized building around the current quarterback situation first. Bettis made the comments on the Chipped Ham and Football podcast.
Pittsburgh Steelers remain without a long-term quarterback solution heading into the offseason. The team awaits a decision from a 42-year-old player while relying on a recent sixth-round draft pick and a career backup on the roster. Bettis highlighted this uncertainty, stating, “You gotta take a step back, and you gotta say, ‘We don’t have the necessary components to put around the quarterback.’ Let’s not really worry about the quarterback position as much. Let’s get ready to help whatever quarterback we have. Because right now, we weren’t helping whatever quarterback we had on the field.” He specifically called for improvements at receiver and offensive line positions. “I do believe you need to really address, offensively, the receiver position and the offensive line as well,” Bettis added. The Steelers feature a strong receiving duo in DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., with Roman Wilson expected to contribute more. However, depth remains thin. On the offensive line, Broderick Jones is recovering, but Dylan Cook lacks proven NFL experience, and options at left guard like Brock Hoffman or Spencer Anderson may need upgrading. In the backfield, the team replaced Kenneth Gainwell with Rico Dowdle alongside Jaylen Warren, who brings 1,000-yard seasons from prior teams. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington provide a solid base. Pittsburgh holds five picks in the first three rounds, where offensive line and receiver prospects abound.
