Steelers QB Waiver Wire Targets

by Eric Herrmann (SteelersGrind) on August 22, 2016

The Steelers quarterback depth has gotten murky over the past few weeks. Bruce Gradkowksi tore his hamstring last week versus the Lions, making his future with the team pessimistic. Dustin Vaughan was then promoted to the #3 spot, just to fracture his thumb versus the Eagles. They recently signed Bryn Renner, but there’s little reason to feel confident in the new young quarterback.

The Steelers are one of the few teams to always carry three quarterbacks, making the position a major need. It appears the best option for the Steelers is to monitor the waiver wire to see who teams cut. Here are a few potential players that are on the chopping blocks of their rosters and should be on the Steelers radar:

Buffalo Bills – EJ Manuel

A former first round pick, EJ Manuel’s career has been disappointing to say the least. He failed to succeed as the starter for the Bills and eventually lost his spot to young phenom Tyrod Taylor. This offseason the Bills drafted Cardale Jones in the 2016 draft, and signed Taylor to an extension, signalling the possible end of the EJ-era. Though Manuel may not be a starting-caliber player, he is capable of being a sufficient back-up and would look good in black and gold.

.@EJManuel3 floats a beautiful pass to @Str8UpGlittle!@BuffaloBills extend their lead to 21-0. #NYGvsBUF https://t.co/1cXheK5p5f

— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2016

Chicago Bears – Connor Shaw, Brian Hoyer

Some may know Connor Shaw as one of the many starting quarterbacks for Cleveland over the years, but currently he’s residing in Chicago. Shaw has looked surprisingly good during his stint with the Bears, and the reason he may not make the roster is because the Bear’s signed veteran Bryan Hoyer in the offseason. It is certainly possible though that the Bears will keep Shaw over Hoyer. David Fales is also on this roster, but it appears it is likely for him to make the team. The Bears depth chart is one to watch as the preseason continues, as both Shaw and Hoyer are good options for the Steelers to sign when one of them is inevitably cut.

Connor Shaw with a TD pass to end the #Bears game. pic.twitter.com/PrRctsbZl4

— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 19, 2016

Cleveland Browns – Austin Davis

Sorry Steelers fans, I have another Browns quarterback on the list. The Browns have a crowded depth chart with Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, recent draft pick Cody Kessler, and Austin Davis. Davis seems to be the odd man out, and would be a good fit in Pittsburgh. Though his play has never been spectacular, we’ve seen during his time, with both the Rams and the Browns, that Davis can play. If he can win games throwing to the Rams’ receiving core, imagine him throwing to Antonio Brown.

Touchdown Austin Davis #SMTTT @USMVoice @BigGoldNation https://t.co/YMZbK3Ujdq

— Stan Hewitt (@Stan_Hewitt) December 1, 2015

Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray, a 2014 draft pick, was a lock to make the Chiefs roster… until they went out and signed Nick Foles. Considering the Chiefs just drafted Kevin Hogan in the 2016 draft, Murray appears to be the odd man out. Similar to the Steelers and their linebacker depth, the Chiefs have the luxury of a surplus of quarterback depth. They will have to cut a solid player and the Steelers could benefit from this. Hopefully Murray would be okay with changing his number since #7 is currently taken.

Fred Williams 29-yard Touchdown: Aaron Murray finds Fred Williams down the field for a 29-yard touchdo… http://t.co/ToAOGA43Zq #chiefs

— ChiefsInfo (@ChiefsInfo) August 31, 2015

New York Jets – Geno Smith, Bryce Petty

The Jets quarterback situation sure isn’t pretty, but their depth is prettier than ours. The current depth chart includes Ryan Fitzpatrick, 2015 draft pick Bryce Petty, 2016 draft pick Christian Hackenberg, and Geno Smith. Smith and Petty are the two players who will be fighting for a roster spot, since it is highly unlikely the Jets carry four quarterbacks, nor cut Hackenburg (who was selected in the 2nd round.) Both have shown the potential to play in this league and would be good options to have on our roster.