Buccaneers Trade QB Byron Leftwich to Steelers

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired quarterback Byron Leftwich from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Steelers only have pick they can trade in the seventh round, the 225th overall pick in the draft. (The 242nd pick is compensatory, which cannot be traded.)

With Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger facing a multi-game suspension to begin the 2010 season, acquiring an experienced veteran like Leftwich is a shrewd move by the the Steelers' front office.

This is a good move for the Buccaneers, who got something of value for Leftwich, who had a limited future in Tampa Bay, and are no longer burdened by his $2M salary.

The seventh overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Marshall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leftwich has started 49 games during his seven-year career, which has also included stints with the Atlanta Falcons (2007), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009), and previous stint with the Steelers in 2008.

During his career, the 6-5, 250-pound Leftwich has completed 58.3% of his passes for 10,218 yards, with 58 touchdowns and 41 interceptions, compiling a career passer rating of 79.6. Leftwich was named an offensive captain by the Buccaneers last season, opening the season as the starting quarterback. After three losses, Leftwich was replaced by second-year quarterback Josh Johnson, who was replaced by 2009 first-round pick Josh Freeman.

An elbow injury landed Leftwich on injured reserve to finish the season.

Leftwich is signed for just 2010, though with a base salary of $2M in 2010. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers re-do his contract.

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JL's picture

April 20, 2010 at 09:23 pm

The Steelers have found their QB of the future. Big Ben gets traded for a 5th round pick (what else?). You heard it here first.

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