Steelers sign one-year contract with former Washington QB and first-round pick Dwayne Haskins



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Dwayne Haskins, less than a month after being released from Washington, signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, team announced Thursday. Haskins, who had previously visited the Carolina Panthers, signed with the Steelers after apparently having lunch with Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin.

Shortly after the news broke, Haskins posted footage of himself signing his new contract. Haskins also revealed that he will wear the No.3 after wearing the No.7 in Washington.

The 15th pick in the 2019 draft, Haskins was released after a poor performance in Washington’s loss to the Panthers in Week 16. Haskins’ high-profile violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols also helped his release. After being released, Haskins described what he called the “worst week of his life” during an interview with Darren Haynes of WUSA9.

“I have to be responsible for the decisions you make in life, and be able to move forward and make the best decisions,” Haskins said. “I have no doubts in my mind that I can overcome this, grow and be a better person, a better athlete, a better quarterback and a better leader because of it. It’s something that I pray and work to show. I hope that a new change of scenery will help. “

In two seasons in Washington, Haskins went just 3-10 as a starter. He completed 60.1% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 2020, the former first-round pick won just one of his six starts while throwing more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five). And while Haskins and his replacement colleague Kyle Allen posted a combined score of 2-8 as Washington’s starting quarterback, veteran Alex Smith, the likely returning player of the year, was 5. -1 under center while leading the football team to an NFC East Division title.

While some of Haskins’ struggles were his doing, the fact that he had to play for three different coaches and two different coordinators likely contributed to his lack of success. Haskins also had to play behind an offensive line that allowed Washington 50 sacks in each of the past two seasons.

Haskins had some brilliant times during his time in Washington. In his sixth career start, 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 over 71% of his throws in Washington’s 31-17 loss to the Ravens.

A former Ohio State University star, Haskins thrived in Urban Meyer’s quick attack. This offense is similar to the one the Steelers led in 2020. Pittsburgh’s new passing philosophy was one of the main reasons for its 11-0 start to the season. Lost passes, injuries and lack of running play ultimately led the Steelers to win just one of their last six games.

In Pittsburgh, Haskins will join a shift room that currently includes Mason Rudolph and Ben Roethlisberger. Haskins will likely replace Joshua Dobbs, who was Pittsburgh’s No.3 quarterback in 2020. Dobbs is expected to become a free agent this offseason. Roethlisberger, although he will not commit to his status for the 2021 season, is expected to return for what would be his 18th season under center in Pittsburgh.



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