Steelers' Haskins grateful for 2nd chance

Dwayne Haskins appreciates the second chance the Pittsburgh Steelers are giving him.

The Washington Football Team unceremoniously released the quarterback after he violated the league’s COVID-19 policy during the 2020 season. The No. 15 selection in 2019 was ousted less than two seasons into his career.

"Just coming here to Pittsburgh, I wanted to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates how much I love football," Haskins said Thursday, according to team reporter Teresa Varley. "I am grateful for the opportunity to be here. My mind is in the right place.”

"My expectation here is to make everyone who took a chance on me look good," he added.

The 24-year-old passed for 1,439 yards and five touchdowns with seven interceptions prior to his release last season, finishing his tenure in the nation’s capital with a 3-10 record as a starter.

Humbled after his time in Washington, Haskins is enjoying being in spot where he's wanted.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to be somewhere where I feel like I can be myself and play ball and not worry about the other stuff that comes along with it," he said.

Haskins signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers in January. He faces an uphill battle to make a roster that features Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, and Joshua Dobbs.