With less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers next four games will be important for the development of young players such as rookie, Kenny Pickett, and of course, draft position. There will be several players who could earn another contract with the organization or possibly elsewhere while some's play could result in a lack of interest come free agency. While fans may be tuned out because playing deep into January is pretty much out of the question, the members of the team and coaching staff still have a job to do and their performances could have serious effects on their futures.
Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph makes a throw during organized team activities in Spring of 2022. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
After Pickett left the team's Week 14 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens due to the concussion protocol, backup, Mitchell Trubisky entered the game and ended up throwing three costly interceptions that were a main contributing factor in the 16-14 loss. There has been talk about head coach, Mike Tomlin potentially giving veteran quarterback, Mason Rudolph a chance to start this week versus the Carolina Panthers.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Rudolph made it known that there has not been a decision on who will start. It will be Pickett if he is cleared, but if not, neither backup has been told that he will be the guy.
“I just hear that the decision has not been made, so I need to prepare like I’m going to be the guy,” Rudolph said.
Tomlin is a competitor who always wants to win, but if he gives the nod to the guy who has not been active all year, it sure seems like he is either showing him the courtesy of trying out for other teams or interested to see if he should be the one behind Pickett for the foreseeable future.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin looks upon practice at 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh signed Trubisky to a two-year deal worth around $14.2 million back in March. He began as the starting quarterback before being benched at halftime in Week 4 as the team took on the New York Jets. He is currently the second-highest paid backup signal-caller in the league and someone who gets paid that much to come off the bench has to perform, rather than throw three untimely interceptions in a must-win game.
While Trubisky may not be a hot commodity come March, he certainly provides value as a veteran who could step into a light quarterback room somewhere else. Trading or cutting him prior to June 1st would grant the Steelers $8 million in cap savings. If Rudolph does get the start in Week 15 and performs well, he would be a much cheaper option to backup Pickett heading into the 2023 season. He won't get $8 million per year anywhere.
Rudolph has been the ultimate professional even though he has yet to be active for a game this year. Drafted by Pittsburgh back in 2018, he has been around the franchise more so than any other quarterback on the roster. Why pay the price for Trubisky when you can have a guy who knows the system and is 5-4-1 in his career as a starter? The Oklahoma State alum isn't going to wow anybody with his mobility or dynamic play-making, but if he and Trubisky are pretty much the same, it might make sense to save the money.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph (#2) preparing to make a throw during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Of course, Rudolph would have to be willing to re-sign with the organization and even though he seems as if he has taken third-string duties well, he may want an opportunity to play elsewhere after feeling disrespected. It all comes down to being a business decision. The hope is Pickett is healthy and starts all 17 games a season from now. But with holes on both sides of the ball, the extra $8 million could absolutely help the general manager, Omar Khan make a strong move in free agency prior to the draft.
The decision to try and retain Rudolph and move on from Trubisky could hinge on this weekend's game against Carolina. If Pickett is active, who will be the #2 quarterback? And more importantly, if he is not, who will be the one leading the offense in his absence?
Do you think the Steelers may unexpectedly consider moving on from Trubisky after his sole year with the team? Let us know in the comments below!
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