The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with a quarterback crisis for the first time in nearly two decades.
Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement created a void that the team must address to remain competitive.
If not, head coach Mike Tomlin might suffer his first losing season in the NFL.
Outgoing general manager Kevin Colbert has various options to secure a signal-caller that could get their offense going.
They could either acquire a free agent quarterback or get one via trade.
Unfortunately, the third choice is the most unpopular because Tomlin already declared that Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins must do more to convince him that they are NFL-ready as a starter.
However, ESPN analyst and former Steelers safety Ryan Clark used his platform to protest the possibility of Rudolph following Roethlisberger’s footsteps.
AMEN! @Realrclark25 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/fVNSZhelbn
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) February 22, 2022
In a quote from Clark and shared through Blitzburgh: “If Mason Rudolph is the starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers entering 2022, they are no longer the Pittsburgh Steelers I love or the fans of Pittsburgh love.”
Perhaps Clark is not alone in addressing the matter because Rudolph won’t cut it in a highly-competitive AFC North.
What Are Pittsburgh’s Options At Quarterback?
Rudolph had a decent 2019 season when he compiled a 5-3 record while throwing for 13 touchdowns.
However, that year might be his last under the limelight because it’s hard to see him maximizing the talents of Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Pat Freiermuth.
Haskins can compete for the role but he must show marked improvement in his accuracy and decision making.
Pittsburgh could swing for the fences to get Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, or reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers.
If that plan does not push through, they can still go for decent quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo and Gardner Minshew.
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