Dwayne Haskins, less than a month after being released by Washington, signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced on Thursday. Haskins, who had previously visited the Carolina Panthers, signed with the Steelers after having lunch with Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin.
Shortly after the news, Haskins posted images of himself signing his new contract. Haskins also revealed that he will use No. 3 after using No. 7 in Washington.
The 15th overall choice in the 2019 draft, Haskins was launched after a subpar performance in Washington’s defeat in Week 16 to the Panthers. Haskins’ highly publicized violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols also contributed to his release. After being released, Haskins described what he called “the worst week of his life” during an interview with Darren Haynes of WUSA9.
“You have to be responsible for the decisions you make in life and be able to move on and make the best decisions,” said Haskins. “I have no doubt that I can overcome this, grow and become a better person, a better athlete, a better defender and a better leader because of that. This is something that I am praying and working to show. I hope a new scenario change will help with that. “
In two seasons in Washington, Haskins was only 3-10 as a starter. He completed 60.1% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 2020, the ex-first-round winner won just one of his six games, throwing more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five). And while Haskins and his teammate Kyle Allen were combined 2-8 as Washington’s full-backs, veteran Alex Smith, the likely return player of the year, was 5-1 under center while leading the football team to the title of the eastern division of the NFC.
Although some of Haskins’ fights were fought by him, the fact that he played for three coaches and two different coordinators probably contributed to his lack of success. Haskins also had to play behind an offensive line that allowed Washington defenders 50 sacks in each of the past two seasons.
Haskins had some brilliant moments during his stay in Washington. In his sixth start of his career, Haskins shot for 261 yards and two touchdowns (completing almost 68% of his passes) in Washington’s 37-27 loss to Philadelphia. In week 4 of the 2020 season, Haskins shot 314 yards while completing more than 71% of his shots in Washington’s 31-17 loss to the Ravens.
A former college highlight in Ohio, Haskins flourished in Urban Meyer’s swift attack. This attack is similar to what the Steelers executed 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 the lack of a running game led the Steelers to win just one of their six final games.
In Pittsburgh, Haskins will enter a quarterback room that currently includes Mason Rudolph and Ben Roethlisberger. Haskins is likely to replace Joshua Dobbs, who served as Pittsburgh’s No. 3 quarterback in 2020. Dobbs is expected to become a free agent this season. Roethlisberger, while not committing to his status for the 2021 season, is expected to return for what would be his 18th season under the Pittsburgh center.