Haskins signs deal with Steelers
Dwayne Haskins will attempt to kick-start his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers signed the former Washington quarterback to a futures contract on Thursday, giving the 23-year-old a second chance after he flamed out in the nation’s capital in less than two seasons.
Haskins celebrated the signing by tweeting a photoshopped picture of him wearing a No. 3 Steelers jersey along with the comment “3 in the Bible stands for restoration and eternal life. Let’s work.”
Work is something Haskins struggled with after Washington selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft. What was supposed to be a homecoming for someone who grew up in the city’s suburbs quickly turned into a forgettable chapter for both Haskins and a franchise in a seeming relentless search for stability under center.
Haskins put together an uneven rookie season in 2019 after taking over the starting job around the midway point. He moved to the top of the depth chart in 2020 under new head coach Ron Rivera, but kept it only four games before being benched in favor of Kyle Allen. Injuries to both Allen and Alex Smith thrust Haskins back into the lineup, but he played poorly in his final three appearances.
He was fined $40,000 and lost his captaincy for breaking COVID-19 rules by partying with several people without a mask following a loss to Seattle on Dec. 20. Just over a week later, he found himself looking for work after Washington released him in favor of journeyman Taylor Heinicke.