It has been rumored recently that the Pittsburgh Steelers will most likely part ways with quarterback Mason Rudolph at some point before the season begins. After this news broke, Steelers fans everywhere rejoiced the rumors, but there were some out there defending Rudolph and his ability to compete for the starting job.
Here is the hard truth for the Rudolph fans: there is absolutely no reason for Rudolph to be behind center in 2022 and he shouldn't even be in the conversation. Here's why:
1.) The Steelers Added Three Quarterbacks For A Reason
The team needed to address the quarterback position with the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, but you don't bring in three guys, including drafting two, if your guy sitting behind a Hall of Fame quarterback for the past three seasons is your guy. The idea that Rudolph has been in the system and knows the organization better is a lame excuse for those who dislike the signing of Mitch Trubisky or first round draft selection, Kenny Pickett.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterbacks participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Thursday May 26, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
After all, it is only Matt Canada's second year as offensive coordinator and who we expect to succeed in his desired offense is a mobile quarterback. Rudolph is currently the least mobile in the room at the moment. Rudolph behind center would see the deep ball more often, but the play-calling would be most similar to 2021 with him at quarterback than any of the other three guys.
There is way more upside with Trubisky and Pickett. Now that Pickett has finally signed his rookie deal, both players will be under contract through the 2023 season and there will be two years to seriously evaluate who the franchise guy could/will be. Rudolph around is just taking away reps from the two that the organization will side with on the field in the end.
2.) Mason Rudolph Had His Chance In 2019
Roethlisberger missed virtually all of the 2019 season and while the team was close to the playoffs, it was because of the defense that the Steelers managed to go 8-8. Rudolph didn't throw for over 250 yards once and his 10 games saw him throw nine interceptions. While I don't necessarily blame Rudolph for a rough outing against the winless Detroit Lions in 2021... it was the Lions. Any backup should have the mentality that he is getting the start and Rudolph went out there and failed to put up more than 16 points along with a costly interception in Lions territory in the first quarter.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph (#2) vs. the Detroit Lions in 2021 at Heinz Field. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
The Oklahoma State alum has had his chances to prove to the coaching staff that he should be the go to guy after Roethlisberger hung up his cleats. But his 17 career games and just 16 touchdowns paired with 11 interceptions are not who Steelers fans should want to be the guy going forward.
3.) Mason Rudolph Has Trade Value
Mike Tomlin's team has its' QB1 and 2 regardless of whether it's Trubisky or Pickett as the starter. Rudolph will request a trade if he's inactive and the best part is, he actually has value. There are multiple teams who would trade a fifth or sixth rounder for a guy like Rudolph and with the Steelers lack of draft capital in 2023, everything helps. It makes absolutely zero sense not to trade Rudolph and target a cheap veteran like AJ McCarron as the fourth QB in the locker room.
We may see a trade during training camp or the preseason if a backup, or even starting quarterback goes down with an injury. Expect the Steelers front office to act on this. Rudolph isn't in the plans to be the quarterback of the future and they should cash in on a draft pick as Rudolph heads into the last year of his contract.
Do you think there is any argument at all for Rudolph to be considered for the starting job? Let us know in the comments below!
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