NFL Insider reveals future of Steelers quarterback position
The Steelers are going into Kansas City on Sunday, hoping to pull off the biggest upset of the NFL playoffs. Nobody is giving Pittsburgh a chance, even if it could be the last we see of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
It hasn’t been made official, but the consensus is Roethlisberger is calling it a career once the season ends. After a miracle playoff run, the quarterback’s career was extended by at least a week. Now – like Ric Flair prior to his match with Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 24 – Roethlisberger must win to continue his career.
However, Roethlisberger isn’t the only longtime member of the Steelers moving on after the season. Kevin Colbert has been the man making the personnel decisions for Pittsburgh for decades. He’s calling it a career following the 2022 NFL Draft.
Now, the question becomes whether Colbert can be like Ozzie Newsome. Of course, Newsome was the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens and retired after leaving the team with the parting gift of quarterback Lamar Jackson.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the next Steelers quarterback could be on their roster already.
“The Steelers have QB Mason Rudolph under contract for another year thanks to an extension that gave him nearly $5 million in new money. Dwayne Haskins, the former first-rounder who signed for the minimum in Pittsburgh before the season, will be a restricted free agent,” stated Rapoport. “Both QBs are expected to be able to compete for a starting job in 2022. With Rudolph spending his entire career biding his time and waiting, and Haskins emerging as someone who has caught the eye of coach Mike Tomlin.”
Evidently, Pittsburgh believes they can get more out of their two backup quarterbacks than they’ve shown in previous seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Will they select a QB in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Furthermore, Rapoport added that the Steelers could add a quarterback to the mix via the 2022 NFL Draft.
“The team is also likely to add a quarterback in the draft. Though it’s not a talent-rich year at the position, there will be options,” stated Rapoport. “Kenny Pickett, who opted out of the Peach Bowl to prepare for the draft, is one to watch.
“Of course, the Steelers will do a thorough evaluation of the position. But they share a facility with Pitt and have had an easy time doing homework on the 6-foot-3, 220-pound all-time leading passer in Pitt history. Given where they draft and where Pickett may end up, the interest is there.”
Pickett wouldn’t have to go far, as he’s put himself on the map while playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He knows how to win in the Steel City — there may be no better fit to replace Roethlisberger.
Nevertheless, whichever quarterback receives the honor of succeeding Ben Roethlisberger will have huge shoes to fill.