Steelers’ John Rhys Plumlee Makes It Clear That He’s Not Taysom Hill: 'I Am A Quarterback'

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines by signing former UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee to a record-breaking undrafted free agent contract following the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite having a strong roster at the quarterback position, Plumlee's addition has injected excitement into the team. His signing marked a historic moment for the Steelers as it was a team-record deal for an undrafted free agent, showcasing their enthusiasm for acquiring him.

In a recent episode of the Chipped Ham and Football podcast hosted by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko, Plumlee was featured as a guest. During the interview, Batko inquired about the comparisons between Plumlee and Taysom Hill, a former quarterback known for his versatility as an athlete. Plumlee expressed appreciation for the comparison to Hill but emphasized his dedication to the quarterback position.

“I take it as a compliment. Taysom Hill is an extremely athletic guy and I think when people talk about me and him, they are kind of giving me a compliment saying that I am athletic. Man I will take being called an athlete any day of the week, but as far as which one I love pursuing, I love pursuing quarterback. I feel like I am a quarterback and have an opportunity to be a really, really good quarterback.”

Hill has undeniably been a game-changing presence for the New Orleans Saints, primarily showcasing his versatility as an athlete rather than strictly as a quarterback. Despite going undrafted in the 2017 draft, he initially signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent before finding his niche with the Saints. 

In New Orleans, Hill's role extends far beyond any real quarterback duties; he's utilized as a rusher, occasionally deployed as a wide receiver, and even serves as a blocker, showcasing his multi-dimensional skill set on the offensive side of the field. While Plumlee appreciates the comparison to Hill, he's keen to emphasize that his identity is firmly rooted in being a quarterback.

“I’m excited to be able to showcase that at the highest level in a quarterback room that has some really, really awesome names. Excited to learn from those guys and be around them. Super excited about the opportunity.”

The Steelers currently boast a stacked quarterback lineup for 2024, with Russell Wilson poised to lead the pack and Justin Fields as his backup. Adding veteran Kyle Allen to the mix bolsters their depth at the position. However, despite their already impressive roster, the Steelers were intrigued enough by Plumlee's potential to extend an opportunity to the dual-sport athlete who showcased his talents in college.

While Plumlee's chances of securing a spot on the 53-man roster remain uncertain, he has a solid chance given his abilities. Though he seems focused on pursuing a quarterback role rather than following in the footsteps of Hill, it's plausible that he may reconsider should his NFL quarterback aspirations not materialize as anticipated.

Steelers' John Rhys Plumlee Might Want To Be More Open Minded

While Steelers fans undoubtedly appreciate Plumlee's confidence in his quarterback abilities, it's worth considering the potential longevity of his NFL career if he were to adopt a similar approach to Hill. Hill's willingness to embrace new positions and roles likely prolonged his NFL tenure significantly. It also played himself into a nice contract. Plumlee finds himself in a position where showcasing his quarterback skills is crucial, yet maintaining an open mind to alternative roles could enhance his prospects.

Plumlee's remarkable athleticism is undeniable, and while he possesses the qualities of a true quarterback, his undrafted status suggests the NFL may view him differently. This isn't to discount his potential as a quarterback in the league, but rather to encourage him to explore all avenues for success.

Hill's successful tenure with the Saints serves as a testament to the impact of versatility in the NFL. While Plumlee could potentially follow a similar trajectory, his current stance is clear: he identifies himself solely as a quarterback.