The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in a familiar rut: finding their next franchise quarterback. After Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, they hoped they had the answer with Mitch Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett. But Trubisky is gone, and Pickett’s injury-plagued start leaves some doubt.
Enter Mason Rudolph. His 8-4-1 record as a starter last season puts the Steelers in a tricky spot. They need him, but how much should they invest? He knows the team and the new offensive system, but can he be the long-term solution?
Some experts like Gerry Dulac believe the Steelers won’t bring in a big-name veteran like Justin Fields or Kirk Cousins. They’re focused on giving Pickett a shot at redemption in his third season. But what if he stumbles again?
Here’s a breakdown of the Steelers’ options:
Option 1: Re-sign Rudolph and hope for Pickett’s development. This is the safe route, keeping a familiar face while hoping Pickett blossoms. But is Rudolph good enough to compete for a Super Bowl?
Option 2: Let Rudolph walk and trust Pickett with the starting job. This is riskier, but it shows full commitment to Pickett. Can he handle the pressure after limited playing time?
Option 3: Explore free agency or the draft. This opens up possibilities, but finding a quality veteran or the right rookie is never guaranteed.
No matter what they choose, the Steelers need to act fast. Free agency starts soon, and they can’t afford to be indecisive. The fate of their 2024 season hinges on this crucial decision.
Remember, this is just one perspective. Do you think the Steelers should stick with Rudolph? Believe in Pickett? Explore other options? Share your thoughts!