One move the Pittsburgh Steelers must make in free agency

It feels like the Pittsburgh Steelers have started each NFL season for nearly two decades with a legitimate shot to make a run to win the division — or at the very least — find themselves in the playoffs with a chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy.

It’s impossible to deny the success Mike Tomlin has had carrying on the storied legacy of the winning franchise, but much of that fell on the consistent that Ben Roethlisberger was the signal caller.

Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports has been plugged in as long as any NFL Insider and in a recent piece identifying one move each NFL team should make had a bold suggestion, although there’s no surprise it was aimed at replacing the Pittsburgh Steelers future Hall of Fame QB when it came to the perennial AFC contender.

The piece was focused on a move every NFL team must make in free agency, a strong stance to say the least.

“Make a run at Winston,” LaCanfora said referring to the former Tampa Bay and New Orleans dual-threat passer.

“Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins are not the answer and this team can still contend with sufficient QB play. Winston would unlock the downfield passing game and create some space for Najee Harris in the box. Regardless, you need a veteran QB who has won some games in the league. I’d also promote from within for GM.”

Is Jameis Winston the answer for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Winston, an intriguing prospect coming out of Florida State came into the NFL with questions about character and maturity he has seemingly put to rest. Before Tom Brady took the Bucs to the promised land, Winston was a bit of an anomaly.

Jameis Winston flashed at times during his first 6 years in Tampa, but ultimatley was plagued by turnovers and inconsistency. The organization stuck by him long enough — and while it was impossible to ignore the talent and success when it came — the backbreaking mistakes often costed games. His only winning season with the Bucs came during his second NFL season, helping Tampa secure a 9-7 record with 28 touchdowns, but his 18 picks that year came second to only his final campaign with the franchise in 2019 where he threw an eye-staggering 30 interceptions.

Is he the true answer for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The former Florida State star signed a backup deal with New Orleans, learned behind the duo of Sean Payton and Drew Brees — and then in 2021 — he finally got seven starts. A logical footbal observer would look at Winston’s last stop, and the success he had as a starter for the Saints and see a high-caliber starting QB in the NFL. Before a devastating season-ending injury, Winston was rolling. The team rallied around Winston, boasting a 5-2 record with him under center. He closed out 2021 before the injury with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions, astonishing considering for his track record of throwing picks. His quarterback rating of 102.8 was the best of his 7-year career.

If the Pittsburgh Steelers brass are comfortable with his health, there’s a proven coaching staff in the Steel City and it wouldn’t be the craziest move.