Steelers trade for Leftwich

[.GR]

As Ben Roethlisberger awaits word on his probable suspension, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded for another quarterback who could wind up starting on opening day.

The Steelers acquired their former quarterback Byron Leftwich from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a seventh-round pick in this week's draft.

Leftwich could well be the Steelers' starter in their regular-season opener. Pittsburgh also has quarterbacks Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon, but Leftwich knows the offense and organization well. He backed up Roethlisberger in 2008 when the Steelers won a Super Bowl before he left to sign as a free agent with Tampa Bay.

The lates trade also leaves Tampa Bay with 12 picks in this weekend's draft, which ties the New England Patriots for most in the league.

Adam Schefter is an ESPN NFL Insider.

 

[cruzg24]

Leftwich knows the offense very well, so this is a good move by the Steelers. He is also a good backup for spot starts here and there. He should be able to manage the game very well.

 

[.GR]

Yeah, he was really good the Steelers super bowl year. And will probably get the starts when Ben is suspended.

 

[Mooche]

Yeah, he was really good the Steelers super bowl year. And will probably get the starts when Ben is suspended.

Exactly.

 

[Blake]

I'd rather use Dixon but that's just me -- he was good at the start of the season before our offense went to hell.

 

[RipCity32]

I'd rather use Dixon but that's just me -- he was good at the start of the season before our offense went to hell.

They should use Dixon. They wasted a draft selection on him lol.

But a nice pickup for the Steelers, for the reasons stated above.

 

[.GR]

They should use Dixon. They wasted a draft selection on him lol.

But a nice pickup for the Steelers, for the reasons stated above.

Wasted a pick? Wasn't he like a 5th rounder? lol

 

[Blake]

Indeed he was -- I'm surprised he wasn't taken 3rd-4th.

 

[RipCity32]

Wasted a pick? Wasn't he like a 5th rounder? lol

You can still get quality players in the 5th round though.
But I guess wasted was a bit over the top lol.