As the Steelers search for their quarterback in 2025, 1996 second-round pick Kordell Stewart threw his name in the hat.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning over all rocks and searching all avenues for a quarterback with options dwindling. On Tuesday, former Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart indicated he is ready to return to the black and gold.
Stewart, who turns 53 this year, may not be what the Steelers are looking for right now, but the options are indeed getting slim. Pittsburgh has even shown interest in Mason Rudolph in returning to the Steel City.
It is fun to wonder, though, how "Slash" would perform in the modern NFL. For his time, he was considered an unconventional passer. Today, though, Stewart would probably be even more lethal than he was in the late-90s into the early 2000s.
For one, the modern rules make it much more offense-friendly–specifically in protecting passers. The Colorado alumnus wouldn't have to worry as much about taking brutal hits after passes and outside the pocket.
27 Jan 2002: Kordell Stewart of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Steelers 24-17 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Mandatory Credit: John Iacono/SI/Icon SMI
Whether it was the limits of Stewart as a passer or Cowher's inability to find a coordinator innovative enough to build an offense around him, his skillset was too far ahead of the league . It makes you wonder… What if he was drafted in 2025 instead of 1995?
Stewart spent time in Pittsburgh from 1995-2002 mostly at quarterback, however, made his name as a versatile player; able to play receiver, running back, and even occasionally punting. He posted a 48-29 record, scored 110 total touchdowns, and helped the Steelers reach three total AFC Championships.
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