Ranking top seven names to watch in Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback search
Ben Roethlisberger has officially announced his retirement, meaning that the Pittsburgh Steelers must now conduct a search for a new starting quarterback. The Steelers could go a number of routes in their important search this offseason. There are multiple options available via trade, but Pittsburgh could also look to the 2022 NFL Draft to replace Roethlisberger.
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo ranked the top seven names to watch in the Steelers quarterback search, with some notable names towards the top.
Seven possibilities in Steelers quarterback search
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
For the second consecutive offseason, Rodgers’ future in Green Bay is up in the air. He expects to make a decision on whether he wants to retire, continue playing for the Packers, or request a trade before free agency begins. Rodgers has a good relationship with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, leading many to believe that Pittsburgh is a potential landing spot. As he is still playing at a MVP level, Rodgers would make a lot of sense in Pittsburgh.
2. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Panthers
If the Steelers opt to look at the NFL Draft in their search for a quarterback, Pickett is likely the top option. The only hurdle to the Steelers potentially drafting Pickett is that he likely won’t be available at Pittsburgh’s pick, which is 20th overall. As arguably the top quarterback prospect available alongside Matt Corral, Pickett is likely to go top ten, or at the worst, top 15. Pickett is a versatile quarterback and wouldn’t have to travel very far.
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Like Rodgers, Wilson is a possible trade candidate for the Steelers. Wilson’s future in Seattle began to be in doubt at times last offseason, and that could again be the case after an injury-riddled and disappointing 2021 season. The Steelers would have to pay to bring in Wilson, but he would be an intriguing option in Pittsburgh’s offense.
4. Matt Corral, Ole Miss Rebels
Corral is another serious option for the Steelers if they decided to look to the NFL Draft in their quarterback search. Corral has put up big numbers at Ole Miss, and had himself in the Heisman conversation before a few injuries slowed him down. Like Pickett, though, Corral is likely to be taken before the Steelers are on the clock at 20th overall, meaning that a trade up would likely be necessary.
5. Malik Willis, Liberty Flames
Willis is an intriguing option in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played college football at Liberty, establishing himself as a serious dual threat option at the quarterback position. His versatility would mesh well in Pittsburgh’s offense, and he is more likely to be available at 20th overall than Pickett or Corral.
6. Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rudolph is the leading in-house option in the Steelers quarterback search. Regardless of other moves, Rudolph will likely be on the team next season. He has spent the past few years backing up Roethlisberger, and has shown flashes during his time as a starter. If the Steelers draft a young quarterback, Rudolph could at the very least become a stopgap starter until a rookie is ready to go.
7. Carson Strong, Nevada Wolf Pack
Strong is one of the most under the radar options in this year’s quarterback draft class. He has posted great numbers of Nebraska, throwing 63 touchdowns over his last two years. Strong isn’t mobile, but he has shown to be a great passer at the college level. Some mock drafts have him going around where the Steelers pick in the first round, and others don’t have him going off the board until round two.