Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is aware of the challenge he will face at quarterback come next season.
There’s a high probability of change, given that Ben Roethlisberger is leaning toward retirement.
It is another tall order on the long list of obstacles Tomlin surpassed throughout his 15-year stint with the black and gold.
While it’s difficult to replace a two-time Super Bowl champion and a franchise icon, the 49-year-old mentor will keep all options open in finding Big Ben’s successor.
Reporter: Is the organization proceeding with the assumption that Ben Roethilsberger won't be back in 2022?
Mike Tomlin: "We are proceeding with that assumption."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 18, 2022
Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert can trade for a quarterback like Russell Wilson or bring in a free agent like Jameis Winston.
They can also consider drafting the likes of North Carolina’s Sam Howell or Kenny Pickett from the hometown Panthers.
If those options falter, Tomlin can look at the second and third-string quarterbacks he had in 2021.
However, the longtime Steelers mentor was candid enough to say that both players must prove themselves more.
These two quarterbacks will have the inside track to becoming the team’s starter.
Coach Tomlin on Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins: pic.twitter.com/LebzGjq6ZJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 18, 2022
But with a limited volume of work for both of them last season, it’s tough to determine the rightful heir apparent.
Here’s a look at the arguments for both Rudolph and Haskins as the next Steelers’ top play-caller.
The Case For Mason Rudolph
Experience is on Mason Rudolph’s side, but his on-field exposure isn’t much.
But he’s more familiar with the Steelers’ system because he’s been with the team since 2018.
Pittsburgh drafted him in the third round of that year’s draft to become Roethlisberger’s protégé.
Rudolph played in 17 games in three years, and the 2019 season was his most significant.
During his sophomore season, the former Oklahoma State standout completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,765 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Mason Rudolph said it is going to be nice moving forward not worrying about stepping on toes. pic.twitter.com/FGW8hSoXRO
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 19, 2022
In 2021, he played in two games but did not win.
He threw for 242 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in their 16-16 tie with the Detroit Lions.
Around two weeks later, he completed five passes for 35 yards in their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Unfortunately, he’s inconsistent with his throws, and he only got to play because Roethlisberger went out due to COVID-19 protocol.
Still, he is under contract until next season, giving the Steelers at least one quarterback to groom.
The Case For Dwayne Haskins
Unlike Rudolph, the Steelers must decide if they will bring back Dwayne Haskins.
However, the former first-round draft pick fits the bill more when Tomlin mentioned wanting a more “mobile” quarterback.
Haskins did not see action in 2021, but his upside makes him an intriguing option.
He played seven games for the Washington Football Team in 2020, finishing with 1,439 yards and five touchdowns.
Tomlin, yet again, makes it clear he wants next QB to be mobile.
"Man, quarterback mobility is valued."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 18, 2022
But he threw more interceptions (14) than touchdowns (12) during his last two seasons.
Aside from his inaccuracy, Washington released him because he broke COVID-19 protocols.
Haskins does have the talent to become a starting quarterback, but he showed little to prove that statement correct.
If he can rediscover his form during his Ohio State days, the Steelers will remain competitive if he’s at the helm.
Who Must The Steelers Choose?
Unfortunately, the verdict is still out on these two quarterbacks.
There’s also a possibility that they will remain backups in 2022.
If they want to follow in Roethlisberger’s footsteps, they must have a solid preseason that will make the decision easier for Tomlin.
Otherwise, the Steelers are better off looking elsewhere if they don’t manifest huge improvement.
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