As they enter the offseason, it sounds like the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a potential quarterback controversy.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explained that while 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett is the presumptive starter, there are some players on the team who are clamoring for veteran backup Mason Rudolph to be handed the reins.
"His teammates like him, several have politicked for him, and another indicated there is enough of a question as to who should be the starter that the coaching staff needs to figure it out in a hurry," Dulac said of Rudolph.
Pickett was banged up at times throughout the 2023 season, and an ankle sprain in Week 13 caused him to undergo surgery and sit out the remainder of the year. The Steelers initially turned to Mitchell Trubisky to replace him, but Rudolph eventually took over and galvanized the offense.
Rudolph went 3-0 as the starter in the final three weeks of the season to help lead Pittsburgh to a playoff berth. He threw for 229 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the team's Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rudolph is set to become a free agent, but Dulac noted that Pittsburgh's "first priority" will be to re-sign him, as has already been declared by head coach Mike Tomlin and team president Art Rooney II.
The 28-year-old will certainly have his fair share of suitors on the open market, so it will not be easy for the Steelers to keep him around. If they are able to retain Rudolph, it would be wise to give him an opportunity to compete with Pickett for the starting job.
