The Pittsburgh Steelers appear set to begin a new era in 2022.
Ben Roethlisberger is expected to either retire or sign elsewhere, meaning the team needs to find a new signal-caller for the first time since 2004.
Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke with the media Tuesday and indicated the two quarterbacks on the roster, Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins, will be given a fair shot to start.
Asked about #Steelers QBs Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins, Mike Tomlin says, "They'll be given an opportunity to establish themselves. There's going to be competition. There always is. They'll write that story… Both guys have positioned themselves to fight that fight."
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 18, 2022
Haskins seems like a long-shot, while Rudolph has a better chance given his history with the team.
Rudolph was a third-round pick in 2018 and has started 10 games in his NFL career.
Yet hearing his name as the potential successor to Roethlisberger has the entire NFL world reacting in a strong way.
Matt Canada and Mason Rudolph offense! Buckle up #SteelerNation pic.twitter.com/1IWxLzrBhM
— Eric (@ThePittsburgher) January 18, 2022
NFL World Reacts To Mason Rudolph’s Future Status
Unfortunately, Rudolph’s most famous moment during his career was being hit over the head by his own helmet, courtesy of Cleveland Browns defender Myles Garrett.
The quarterback has never shown enough to warrant a full-time starting job and that especially has Steelers fans worried.
mason rudolph and matt canada leading our offense next year pic.twitter.com/V1VoM5iQJU
— Incognito Mike Tomlin (@TomlinIncognito) January 18, 2022
If Mason Rudolph is the Steelers QB next season, I’m not expecting too many wins… If we don’t have many wins, Steelers get a higher draft pick in 2023, the better QB draft class… https://t.co/4wVOZuWfHI pic.twitter.com/2481RSK6V9
— Tiffany Oshinsky (@TMOluvsSports) January 18, 2022
I love Pittsburgh with all my heart. But if Mason Rudolph starts next season I'm taking a year off
— Pushin T (@Davis_Boy101) January 18, 2022
Rudolph’s name is also in the spotlight because his teammates are speaking out in support.
That makes sense now that Roethlisberger’s tenure is over, as Rudolph technically sits as the top quarterback at the moment.
Freiermuth on Mason Rudolph "there is some trust in him within the offense. He did a good job in the Lions game, sometimes we didn't put him in the right situation as playmakers to make him look as good as he could have. He's a great quarterback."
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 18, 2022
Diontae Johnson on if he sees any upside in Mason Rudolph:
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 18, 2022
Diontae Johnson said he supports Mason Rudolph being the Steelers' next starting quarterback: “I’m pulling for (Mason Rudolph)." #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh✨ (@Blitz_Burgh) January 18, 2022
Teammates sticking up for their friend is one thing.
But the Steelers organization needs to conduct a major search at quarterback to ensure Tomlin’s streak of winning seasons continues in 2022.
That is going to include trying to land a top veteran, such as an Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
@kennypickett10 @DangeRussWilson @AaronRodgers12 @steelers https://t.co/ZF2rvjEHFs
— Colin Potts (@ColinPotts11) January 18, 2022
Rudolph is the top guy for now but the Steelers are only two days into their offseason.
A lot is likely going to change as the franchise tries to stay competitive in 2022.
Just don’t expect fans to stop talking about Rudolph until a decision is made.
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