While the Pittsburgh Steelers won't likely be looking to make any moves on the quarterback front just yet, it appears they could have a familiar trade partner lined up. Today during mandatory mini camp the Jacksonville Jaguars lost back up CJ Beathard to what appears to be a serious knee injury.
According to multiple reporters on the Jacksonville beat, Beathard was carted off the field on Monday after spending several minutes down on the turf. Beathard is in the second year of a two year contract he signed with the Jaguars last offseason. He previously spent time with the San Francisco 49ers. Beathard was slated to be the primary back up behind second year quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Joshua Dobbs / USA Today
In 2019 the Steelers traded then third string quarterback Joshua Dobbs to the Jaguars in exchange for a fifth round pick. The Jags became desperate for a back up when then starter Nick Foles went down with an injury. Gardner Minshew would then become the start with Dobbs backing him up. Dobbs stayed in Jacksonville for one season before being released and claimed by the Steelers. Dobbs signed with Cleveland this off-season.
The free agent quarterback market is pretty slim right this minute. Cam Newton, Josh Rosen, and AJ McCarron are all available. Newly retired Ryan Fitzpatrick could possibly be lured out of retirement, but it's doubtful.
The Steelers don't really have a need to get rid of Mason Rudolph right this minute because you never know what injuries could pop up during training camp. But if things go as they're expected to then Rudolph will likely fall behind Kenny Pickett to the number three position on the teams depth chart. Keeping Rudolph would serve no purpose at that point, and getting a draft pick in return for him would be a huge win even if it's a 7th round pick.
Regardless of how you feel about Rudolph he still has a winning record as a starter and if Dobbs could command a fifth round pick there is no reason the Steelers wouldn't be able to get something for him when the time comes.
If Jacksonville is interested they'll get to see Rudolph up close and personal in the preseason. The Steelers will travel down to Jacksonville for their second preseason contest on August 20.
