WATCH: Mike Tomlin clarifies Steelers perspective regarding Ben Roethlisberger's future
The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed into the offseason with the plan to find a new quarterback to replace longtime veteran Ben Roethlisberger, according to an article posted Tuesday by Pro Football Talk.
When asked if Pittsburgh is planning on moving forward with the assumption that Roethlisberger is retiring, Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin gave a firm response.
“We are proceeding with that assumption,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin added that Steelers backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins will be given an opportunity to show what they can do, but he made clear that nothing will be handed to either of them.
“Both guys, Mason and Dwayne, have had their moments, but they’ll have to prove that,” the Pittsburgh Steelers’ front man said.
Tomlin said he and General Manager Kevin Colbert will talk about finding quarterbacks in free agency and the draft.
“All options are on the table,” Tomlin said. “I enjoy working with Kevin this time of year.”
Dionte Johnson backs Pittsburgh Steelers QB to take over for Roethlisberger
The Steelers have an important task ahead of them this offseason. They must replace longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger is expected to retire, meaning that the Steelers will have to look elsewhere for a new starting quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson knows that transitioning to a new quarterback will be a process. Whoever that quarterback is, Johnson wants to build a strong connection with him. But Johnson has one leader in mind, and that is Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.
“I see a lot. Mason is a great player, great quarterback,” Johnson said, via Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper. “He’s smart. Playing with him my rookie year, he’s shown he can win us games. In those tough moments, too, he can make plays. He’s relaxed. And at times on the sideline this year, he was always on it, telling us what to look for, what coverages they mostly were in. Just throwing out plays we could use to beat certain coverages and whatnot. So, he’s a great player. I’m sure he’s going to work his tail off to compete for the starting job. I’m pulling for him.”
Rudolph was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He saw the most action of his career in 2019, attempting 283 passes and throwing for 1,765 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In his three-year NFL career, Rudolph has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,366 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Dwayne Haskins, a former Ohio State star, could contend for the Steelers’ quarterback job next season as well. Haskins was selected 15th overall by Washington in 2019, and he spent this season as Pittsburgh’s third string quarterback.
On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this story