Apparently, Dwayne Haskins is wanted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Sunday afternoon that the Steelers will place a restricted free agent tender on the former Washington quarterback drafted in round one by Washington owner Daniel Snyder.
The Steelers have indicated to Dwayne Haskins that they plan to place a restricted free agent tender on him for 2022, per source, and Haskins expects that to be an original-round tender, paying in range of $2.5 million. Another suggestion Haskins is in QB mix in Pittsburgh.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 23, 2022
Interestingly enough, the restricted free-agent tender will be an original-round tender. “Original-round” tender brings back quite the memories for Washington fans. During the 2019 NFL draft, Washington owner Daniel Snyder made it known he wanted Haskins with the 15th overall selection.
Kyle Smith, then the director of college scouting, reportedly watched as other members of the Washington staff silently did not agree with the Snyder preference of Haskins. One coach reportedly was sick to his stomach about it as the tension increased in the room as the time drew nearer for the 15th selection by Washington. One report had Smith, when no one else would speak up, raising himself up, standing and delivering a passionate speech expressing his displeasure. And can you blame him? After spending all of that work and effort as director of college scouting, only to have your owner make the pick himself?
The first-round tender by Pittsburgh means the Steelers will have to pay Haskins a salary somewhere in the range of $2.5 million for the 2022 season. It also assures Pittsburgh that Haskins will undoubtedly be with the Steelers for 2022. No other NFL team in their right mind is going to even consider offering a first-round choice nor match the tender offer for Dwayne Haskins.
Ben Roethlisberger is supposedly going to retire, Mason Rudolph has struggled in relief and Haskins has yet to prove himself ready. The Steelers know they are in trouble at quarterback.
After being 3-10 in the 13 games he started, Haskins was released by Ron Rivera, on Dec. 29, 2020, after violating NFL Covid protocols for at least a second time. Haskins was signed by Pittsburgh three weeks later but did not take an offensive snap in 2021.