The Facts: Haskins is restarting his career with the Steelers after being unceremoniously cut near the end of the 2020 season. From the forefront of an organization in Washington to the background in Pittsburgh, Haskins said Thursday morning that he's just looking for any opportunity to earn a job. "Just coming here to Pittsburgh, I just wanted to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates how much I love football. And just grateful for the opportunity to be here and just show them that my mind's in the right place and that I'm willing to work to be able to show my talent and be able to work and earn a spot here."
Diehards Line:Haskins signed a reserve/futures deal with the Steelers in January. Since then, Ben Roethlisberger returned on a reworked deal. Mason Rudolph signed a 1-year extension. And Joshua Dobbs re-upped. Haskins will have to prove a lot to earn a roster spot in Pittsburgh this season. Coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday that he's more concerned about developing a relationship with Haskins off the field, not focusing on on-field progress. "I've been more concerned about Dwayne the person," Tomlin said. "Getting to know him. Getting an understanding of what he's been through and how that's shaped him affected him positively, negatively. ... I'll leave some of the minutia and some of the details about his football development to him and (quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan) and (offensive coordinator Matt) Canada. I just want to get to know the young man and help him grow in that way." Haskins' off-field issues in Washington exasperated his on-field struggles during his less-than-two seasons with the club. Recently retired quarterback Alex Smith previously noted that Haskins is "crazy gifted" but needs to eliminate the "distractions."