Mike Tomlin Weighs In On Mental Damage Done To Potential Big Ben Replacement, Dwayne Haskins

Of all the roster moves the Pittsburgh Steelers made this offseason, signing quarterback Dwayne Haskins to a one-year contract may have been the lowest-risk with the highest-reward potential.

Haskins probably won’t see the field this upcoming season unless Ben Roethlisberger suffers an injury, but the Steelers could eventually develop the 24-year-old into a starter.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that he has emphasized figuring out what went wrong for Haskins during his stint with Washington, the Spun reports. Once Tomlin gets a feel for him as a person, he said he can then work on improving the former Ohio State QB’s game.

“I’ve been more concerned about Dwayne the person – what he’s been through, how it’s affected the growth and development of his game,” Tomlin said.

Coach Tomlin on getting to know Dwayne Haskins: I've been more concerned about Dwayne the person…what he's been through…how it's affected the growth and development of his game.

— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) June 16, 2021

Since OTAs just ended and minicamp is underway, it’s still early in the offseason, but Haskins appears to be making a strong impression on his teammates.

Roethlisberger told reporters that he was impressed with Haskins’ throwing mechanics.

“His release and throwing mechanics are some of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen,” Roethlisberger told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Haskins isn’t guaranteed a spot on Pittsburgh’s roster, especially since the Steelers already have a backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph.

Just last week, Rudolph told reporters his goal is to be the Steelers’ starter in 2022.

But with an additional year of experience in the league, Haskins makes a solid case for consideration if he’s willing to work during training camp and preseason to make it on Tomlin’s 53-man roster.