Despite speculation about their interest in drafting a quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to bolster their quarterback lineup by signing John Rhys Plumlee, a versatile undrafted free agent from the University of Central Florida. This acquisition was finalized immediately after the NFL draft concluded on April 27.
Plumlee, who signed with the Steelers on Saturday, boasts a diverse athletic background. Not only did he function as a quarterback and a wide receiver during his college football career, but he also played outfield for the UCF baseball team. His ability to adapt to multiple roles enhances his value to the Steelers.
In the upcoming training camp, Plumlee is expected to be the fourth quarterback option behind Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen. According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, there is potential for Plumlee to secure a practice squad position where his athleticism could be exploited in various capacities.
Beginning his college tenure as a 3-star recruit for Ole Miss in 2019, Plumlee has consistently demonstrated his athletic prowess. After transferring to UCF following the 2021 season, he resumed his role as quarterback and delivered a commendable performance. In 2022, he amassed 2,586 passing yards and 862 rushing yards, contributing to 14 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. His stats improved in 2023, recording 2,271 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and maintaining an 8.9 yards per attempt average, along with 505 rushing yards and 5 additional scores.
Commenting on Plumlee’s potential, Alex Kozora from Steelers Depot highlighted his promising deep-ball capability and noted, “He might not possess a powerhouse arm, but his precision and ability to exploit defenses with well-timed throws demonstrate his skill. He has a knack for allowing his receivers to make significant plays.”
As Plumlee joins the Steelers, the primary goal will be to compete for a spot on the practice squad, leveraging his unique skill set and diverse athletic background.
