Steelers QB John Rhys Plumlee tries to ‘create value’ in every way possible |

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee as an undrafted free agent to complete their quarterback roster. Plumlee is the team’s fourth quarterback and the 23-year-old brings a unique athletic skill set to the team.

His ability as a quarterback was on display in OTAs when he found Deuce Watts on a fade route down the sideline. And then his talent as an athlete came to light when he scored a touchdown on a quarterback draw during the team’s seven-shot drill.

“It was fun,” Plumlee told reporters at the team’s minicamp in June. “I love playing, so I try to make the most of it when I get the opportunity. At the end of the day, when you can go out there, it’s a lot of fun. I had some success early on. I made a great play with Deuce (Watts) on the court on an inside fade, great by him.”

However, it wasn’t always all sunshine and roses for Plumlee, as he and the rest of the offense struggled at times, especially in the Red Zone when the defense applied pressure with Cover Zero.

“We started to fall short when (the defense) started giving us some zeros down there, which was to be expected,” Plumlee said. “I had to throw and catch a little better, but as far as that goes, it was really fun.”

During the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp and OTAs, Plumleee worked out at many different positions, including quarterback, tight end and special teams returner.

Plumlee, a two-sport college athlete with such slim chances of being selected as the fourth quarterback on the final roster, is using his athletic ability to prove his value, namely his ability to be available.

“They say the greatest skill is availability,” Plumlee said. “I really try to add value in any way I can, whether it’s on special teams, returning punts or kicks, whether it’s helping Russ (Wilson) or Justin (Fields), competing in that room, trying to get better and learn from those guys.”

The reason Plumlee trains so hard and works at multiple positions is because he is living his dream of playing in the NFL and wants to do whatever it takes to stay there.

“I’m really trying to expand my role,” Plumlee said. “They say you should never overlook your role, because I’ve dreamed of being here, so I’m trying to make the most of it and have fun while doing it.”

Although he learns special teams, he is a quarterback first and foremost. Being in a room full of veterans has given Plumlee all the help he needs. Plumlee explained that learning from football-savvy guys like Wilson, Fields and Kyle Allen is a fantastic advantage of playing for the Steelers.

“These guys are great,” Plumlee said. “I think when you’re an NFL quarterback, you’re a football junkie. All you need to do is get a few little nuggets here and there from these guys. … I think experience is the best teacher and these guys have it, so it’s great to be able to learn from them.”

Plumlee will get a chance to showcase his skills in training camp, but since he is a non-drafted quarterback in his first year, he will likely end up on the practice squad where he can be a versatile part of the scout team.

18 • John Rhys Plumlee, quarterback, Central Florida
1.83 m, 92 kg, 23 years old, 1st season

Acquired: The Steelers signed John Rhys Plumlee as a priority undrafted free agent, meaning he received a three-year contract with the team. He signed with the Steelers on April 27, 2024.

Last season: As a fifth-year senior, John Rhys Plumlee started 10 games at quarterback for the Knights. He completed 62.9% of his passes for 2,271 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 505 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee | Photo by: Conor Kvatek / UCF Athletics

University: John Rhys Plumlee was a four-star recruit from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and chose the home-state Ole Miss Rebels despite offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and others.

Plumlee played football and baseball for the Rebels and made early appearances as a freshman in 2019 when he filled in for the injured Matt Corral, but never made the starting quarterback position. He switched to wide receiver in 2021 and caught 19 passes for 201 yards before entering the transfer portal.

He ended up at UCF and was back at quarterback, won the Knights’ starting spot, and continued playing baseball. In two seasons at UCF, he rushed for 2,000 yards in a row while maintaining a passer rating of 135.3.

In 2022, he threw 346 times, completing 218 (63%) for 2,586 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Last fall, he threw 256 times, completing 161 (62.9%) for 2,271 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions, despite being limited to 10 games.

During his five years in college, Plumlee played in 52 games and started 33 times. He finished his career with 34 passing touchdowns and 19 interceptions. On the ground, Plumlee amassed 2,556 yards and 28 touchdowns, including a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2019.

Salary cap and future: Since John Rhys Plumlee is a priority free agent, his contract will keep him in Pittsburgh through the end of the 2026 season. Plumlee’s salary cap hit in 2024 will be $806,666 if he makes the team’s final roster. That salary cap hit includes a base salary of $795,000 and a signing bonus of $11,666.

If the Steelers decide to release Plumlee at any point during the season, they will incur a salary cap charge of $771,666 and a dead money penalty of $35,000.

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