Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins, 24, dies in car crash

“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but more so a friend. great for so many people. I am truly heartbroken.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and all of his family during this difficult time.”

Haskins, 24, was Washington’s 2019 first-round pick and started seven games, going 2-5 as a rookie. The former Ohio State star was 1-5 in six starts the following season for the team, then was released.

The Steelers gave Haskins a chance to resurrect his career in January 2021 when they signed him a month after being released by Washington. Humbled by the decision, Haskins stressed that he was eager to work hard and absorb as much of Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph as he could. He made the roster as a third string but only dressed once, serving as a substitute in a tie with Detroit after Roethlisberger was placed on COVID-19 protocol the day before the match.

Both Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert praised Haskins for his improvement since joining the team, and the Steelers re-signed him to a one-year deal as a restricted free agent in March. . He had to compete with Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky for a place.

“We’re excited to see what Dwayne can bring, either from the competition or maybe evolving as a starter,” Colbert said in January.

Haskins appeared to be working in South Florida this week with several teammates including Trubisky and other skill position players including running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth.