Kenny Pickett is the starter. Mitch Trubisky is the backup. But who is No. 3 in the Steelers quarterback room?
Rookie minicamp gave the first glimpse into how the Steelers might plan to approach the position this summer.
Former University of Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan is on the offseason roster after signing as an undrafted free agent following the draft. Also attending rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis is Bryce Perkins, a third-year pro who started a game last season for the Los Angeles Rams.
It’s not the most important position on the 53-man roster, but third-string quarterbacks have to play from time to time. It was only four years ago that Devlin Hodges attended Steelers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and signed a contract.
A few months later, after Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury and Mason Rudolph suffered a concussion, Hodges ended up starting six games and won three of them.
A similar circumstance happened last season in San Francisco when Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant — the final pick in the 2022 draft. He rose from No. 3 to starter following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Purdy won six consecutive starts late in the regular season and in the playoffs before losing to the Eagles in the NFC championship game. He didn’t finish the game after getting knocked out of the game with an elbow injury.
“It’s awesome to see what a guy like that did,” said Morgan, who was one of the most experienced college quarterbacks available this year. “It’s two completely different situations, but seeing what guys can do at the next level is always exciting when you’re in college. For me, I’m in an entirely different atmosphere and it’s about maximizing each day. My attitude is to get better every day.”
Morgan, 24, started 47 games at Minnesota and finished his career as one of the school’s most accomplished passers. His best season came as a sophomore in 2019 when he threw for 3,253 yards with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He took advantage of COVID-19 NCAA eligibility rules and returned for a sixth season in 2022, throwing for 1,382 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions in nine games. He missed the final three games of the season with a concussion.
“He's a guy that's played a lot. He's a six-year guy,” Tomlin said Saturday morning on the second day of a three-day rookie minicamp. “He's got some leadership intangible qualities. He's been highly productive within that program. His resume is pretty extensive for a guy in that position.”
Morgan checks a lot of boxes when it comes to qualities NFL teams covet in their quarterbacks. In addition to his experience, he’s known as a smart player who learns quickly. He is hoping those qualities can help him earn a spot in the NFL.
“I think when you have experiences, you have to learn from them,” said Morgan, who owns the Minnesota record for most victories as a starting quarterback with 33. “You learn from the good and the bad. It’s an entire different league, an entire different system, and you have to be able to adapt.”
Perkins received an invitation to try out after the Rams decided not to tender him after last season. He had been with them since 2020 and dressed for five games last season, with one start, after Matthew Stafford and John Wolford were injured.
In his only NFL start, Perkins was 19 for 34 for 161 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 26-10 loss to the Chiefs.
“It’s definitely motivating for me,” Perkins said. “I’m excited to be part of a new culture, a new staff.”
Perkins will find out in a day or two if the Steelers wish to sign him. They usually bring four quarterbacks to training camp with them. The choice could come down to whether the Steelers want a younger quarterback or a more veteran type as the No. 3.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: May 13, 2023, 6:35 p.m.
Updated: May 14, 2023, 12:57 a.m.
