The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing some internal division over their decision on who should be their starting quarterback, amidst rumors surrounding Justin Fields. Known for their stability as a franchise, the Steelers find themselves uncertain about their most important position, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Last season, the Steelers started three different quarterbacks and are now rumored to be looking for a new starter through either trading or drafting. However, there seems to be a disagreement within the organization about whether Mason Rudolph should be given the starting role. Rudolph performed well towards the end of the season, leading the team to victory in all three regular-season games he started. This success has led some within the organization to believe he should be the starter going forward.
Rudolph’s opportunity arose after Kenny Pickett, who had started a dozen games, suffered an ankle injury. Despite being cleared to return, Pickett did not regain his starting position and Rudolph continued to excel. Pickett, drafted by the Steelers in the first round in 2022, has struggled to establish himself as the franchise quarterback with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 career games.
The Steelers have already cut ties with Mitch Trubisky, and Rudolph is set to become a free agent. This leaves the team with a decision to make regarding their future at the quarterback position. There have been reports suggesting that the Steelers may consider trading for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears or signing free agents Kirk Cousins or Ryan Tannehill. There is even speculation about potentially signing Russell Wilson if he becomes available on a veteran-minimum deal after his expected release from the Broncos.
However, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the team is not interested in bringing in a quarterback who wants to be a starter. This statement indicates that the Steelers may not be pursuing any major upgrades at the position and could potentially stick with Rudolph as their starter.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation, the Steelers have retained head coach Mike Tomlin, putting an end to rumors that he may leave the team. With Tomlin back on the sidelines, the expectations for the Steelers remain high, suggesting that they may still be interested in exploring options to improve their quarterback position.
As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers navigate their internal division and make a decision regarding their starting quarterback. With potential trade options and free agents available, the Steelers have several paths they can take to solidify their position under center. Ultimately, their choice will have a significant impact on the success of the team in the upcoming season.
