To Jimmy G or Not to Jimmy G?

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Adam Lovelace

That is the question. I will end the Shakespeare metaphor here. However, one of the big questions for the Pittsburgh Steelers next year is who will be Big Ben’s predecessor? Among the plethora of names that have been thrown around to lead the Steelers next year, one of the most controversial has arguably been Jimmy Garoppolo. Since entering the league in 2014, Jimmy G has had a roller coaster career. As a fill in for Tom Brady during his time in New England it appeared as though he was destined to be the next great QB. San Francisco saw that potential and decided to make him their franchise Quarterback, yet his time there has been a bit rocky. Jimmy G has faced a lot of criticism for his postseason play with the 49ers, and his limitations have been called into question as well. Which leaves Steelers fans wondering if trading for Jimmy G is worthwhile.

To Jimmy G

The good news about Jimmy G is that acquiring him will not come at great expense. It has been reported that the 49ers are only asking for a second-round pick for Jimmy G. A small price for a starting quarterback. Jimmy G has also proven to be a winner at his best. Since 2014, he is 33-14 as a starter with a 67.7% completion rate and 71 touchdowns. The best quarterback in the class Derek Carr, is 57-70 with a 65% completion rate but has thrown 193 touchdowns. Derek Carr is easily the better quarterback, but when Jimmy G is healthy, he wins. The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship game in both years Jimmy was fully healthy. Steelers fans also need to come to terms with the fact that Jimmy G is better than what they have in the room. No disrespect to Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins, but Jimmy is far more talented than Mason, and far more proven that Dwayne. In the moments we have seen Mason start, they have been underwhelming and frustrating. The Steelers should be looking for a QB that can come in and win now. Like right now. There is too much talent across the board to try and develop a young guy. You have the potential Defensive Player of the Year in T.J. Watt paired with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward on defense, a workhorse back in Najee Harris, and an extremely talented albeit occasionally frustrating receiving core. With some anchors to sure up the offensive and defensive lines, this team can compete in the playoffs with the right quarterback leading the way. Jimmy G is good enough to get the Steelers to the playoffs with what they provide him on defense and at the skill positions.

To Not Jimmy G

He is expensive. Should the Steelers trade for him he would be a $26 million cap hit which would hinder them taking some big swing in free agency. That is quite an expensive price to pay for what many believe to be a rental or bridge quarterback. There are also some limitations with Jimmy G. He makes some errant throws that are killers to a team. The most obvious example being the overthrow to Emmanuel Sanders in the Super Bowl. Jimmy G also did not have a stellar post-season this year, despite the 49ers' success. He only threw for one touchdown and three interceptions in their three playoff games. It might be better to see what you have with Dwayne Haskins for a year, then eat into your cap space for a potential bridge QB. There are also some other nice options for the Steelers. Malik Willis has seemingly been on the Steelers' radar, and Kenny Pickett has been a talking point for a long time. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the potential Aaron Rodgers trade. I will admit, I do not see that happening. They would simply ask for too much. Jimmy G would be a much more attractive option if he did not come with such a high price tag.

The Answer?

Personally, I would take the risk on Jimmy G. I have no interest in risking the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers on an unknown in the draft. When it comes limitations, this class of quarterback have plenty. They all have a ton of questions and not a lot of answers. Despite Jimmy G’s price, I know what I get when it comes to Jimmy G. A capable quarterback with limitations that can be covered up with the right scheme. That, however, is the real question. It is important for Steelers fans to understand that it really does not matter who the next quarterback is, if the offensive system does not improve drastically.