Dwayne Haskins, less than a month after being released by Washington, signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers team. Announced Thursday. Haskins, who previously visited with the Carolina Panthers, joined the Steelers after apparently having lunch with Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin.
Shortly after the news broke, Haskins posted images of himself signing his new contract. Haskins also revealed that he will wear No. 3 after wearing No. 7 in Washington.
The 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Haskins, was released after a sub-performance in Washington’s Week 16 loss to the Panthers. Haskins’ much-publicized violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol also contributed to his release. After his release, Haskins describes what he called the ‘worst week of his life’ during an interview with WUSA9’s Darren Haynes.
“Must be accountable for the decisions you make in life, and be able to move forward and make the best decisions,” Haskins said. “I have no doubt that I can overcome it, grow and become a better person, a better athlete, a better quarterback and a better leader because of this. It’s something I’m praying for and working on. I’m hoping a new scenic change will help.
In two seasons in Washington, Haskins only took a 3-10 lead. He completed 60.1% of his passions with 12 touches and 14 interceptions. In 2020, the former first-round pick won just one of his six games, throwing more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five). And while Haskins and his fellow backup Kyle Allen were a combined 2-8 as Washington’s starting quarterback, veteran Alex Smith, the likely Comeback Player of the Year, beat the center 5-1 as he led the soccer team to ‘ led an NFC division in the Eastern Division.
Although some of Haskins’ problems struggled, the fact that he had to play for three different coaches and two different coordinators probably contributed to his lack of success. Haskins also had to play behind an offensive line that has allowed 50 bags to Washington’s backs over the past two seasons.
Haskins did have some bright moments during his time in Washington. In his sixth start of his career, Haskins threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns (while completing nearly 68% of his passes) in Washington’s 37-27 loss to Philadelphia. In Week 4 of the 2020 season, Haskins threw for 314 yards while completing more than 71% of his throws in Washington’s 31-17 defeat against the Ravens.
Haskins, a former colleague in the state of Ohio, thrived in Urban Meyer’s quick offense. The offense is similar to the one the Steelers had in 2020. Pittsburgh’s new passing philosophy was one of the main reasons for starting the season 11-0. Past passes, injuries and a lack of running game have ultimately resulted in the Steelers winning just one of their last six games.
In Pittsburgh, Haskins will join a quarterback chamber that currently includes Mason Rudolph and Ben Roethlisberger. Haskins is likely to replace Joshua Dobbs, who will be no. 3-quarters of Pittsburgh served. Dobbs is expected to become a free agent during the season. Although Roethlisberger is relentless about his status for the 2021 season, he is expected to return for what his 18th season would be like in downtown Pittsburgh.