Mutual interest between Steelers, Jones?

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Do the Steelers need to upgrade the backup quarterback position?

It’s been a hot topic for years but the team doesn’t seem so inclined to make an upgrade. At least not yet.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun preliminary discussions with the Landry Jones reps and the Steelers plan to try to resign Jones as their No. 2 quarterback before free agency begins.

Jones camp has signaled to the Steelers they are seeking a three year deal.

While there are many different opinions on Jones, Gerry Dulac of Post-Gazette reported the Steelers believe Jones is better than 80% of the backup quarterbacks in the NFL.

We’ll see what they really think of him on how this next deal looks.

The backup quarterback market will be flooded with experienced quarterbacks so the Steelers have some leverage in talks. The Steelers priority is to bring Jones back on a multi-year deal.

The group of backup QB’s who are or will be available includes:

Brian Hoyer – Was a Steeler for a brief period in 2012. The organization has always liked him. 134/200 for 1,445 yards with 6 touchdowns and no picks for the Bears in 16. Has 25 touchdowns and 7 interceptions over his last 17 starts (two seasons). If you ever had a season ending injury to Ben Roethlisberger, Hoyer would be the type of guy you’d want and is only 31 years old.


Nick Foles– 28 Years old. Had the lights out 2013 campaign with 27 touchdowns and 2 interceptions but that is a thing of the past. In three games with the Chiefs in 2016, he completed 36/55 for 410 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.


Ryan Fitzpatrick – 34 years old. Had an awful 2016 campaign. Still thinks he’s a starter and wouldn’t be a fit.


Mike Glennon – 27 Years old. He’s getting looks as a No. 1 quarterback from teams like the Browns, Bears and 49ers.


Case Keenum – Made 10 starts for the Rams in 16, throwing 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Another quality backup on the market.


Matt Barkley – If the Steelers to go in another direction from Jones, it would be with a Brian Hoyer type not Matt Barkley.


Josh McCown – Turns 38 in July. The Steelers are not going there.


The list of backup QB candidates is only going to grow as Colin Kapernick is expected to get released in San Francisco.[/hide]