After months of mock drafts, speculation and excitement leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted University of Pittsburgh quarterback, Kenny Pickett. The move has Steelers fans divided. Some wanted the local product and others wished for Liberty's Malik Willis if a quarterback was the selection. Regardless of which quarterback was selected, it was bound to bring controversy to the Steelers quarterback room.
Photo: John McGonigal Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Mitch Trubisky agreed to terms to come to Pittsburgh back in March during the NFL's legal tampering period. Mason Rudolph was drafted by the team back in 2018 and is headed into the final year of his contract. The idea of having three quarterbacks all with a legitimate chance at competing for a starting job will lead to one being significantly unhappy in the end. I guess it's safe to say right now, Rudolph is the odd man out. With that said, there are simply not enough reps to go around when trying to assimilate Trubisky into a new offense and getting Pickett up to speed with an NFL offense.
If Rudolph was inactive each week, as the Steelers typically only have two quarterbacks active, he could potentially request a trade mid season. The front office should strongly consider the idea of making a move this weekend on day three of the draft regarding Rudolph's future. It would most likely be a popular one in Pittsburgh.
Trade Rudolph For a Sixth Round Pick
Rudolph's trade value is not lucrative, but he is an experienced quarterback who learned from Ben Roethlisberger for years, so he could be moved to a backup needy team in the sixth round. The move would save the team $3 million in cap space and allow for drafting another quarterback, yes a second quarterback, in one of the late rounds. The Steelers always head into camp with four quarterbacks so we could expect to sign a cheap option closer to camp too.
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Steelers Need More Draft Picks
Many draft analysts believe there will be plenty of talent available late in this year's deep draft class. A team to keep an eye on here might be the Atlanta Falcons if the decide against taking a quarterback on Friday evening. The Falcons have two sixth round picks and might be willing to part with one in order to get a serviceable backup to Marcus Mariota. The Tennessee Titans could also use a solid backup option to Ryan Tannehill if they don't choose a quarterback on day two. The Titans have a bunch of draft capital including two sixth round selections on Saturday.
The Steelers are entering a new era after Mike Sullivan is entering his second year as quarterbacks coach and David Corley Jr. was added this offseason as assistant quarterbacks coach. Matt Canada is heading into his second year as offensive coordinator after many fans wanted him fired. The offensive coaching staff is rather new and Rudolph would be the most tenured Steeler in the QB room. As the offense revamps and attempts to keep up with the firepower in the AFC, a fresh start is the best way to retune and moving on from Rudolph would be a piece of that.
If Kevin Colbert were to trade Rudolph, it would most certainly suggest that the team has another late round quarterback in mine. This draftee and Pickett would both be under contract for the next four years allowing the team to assess and mold two quarterbacks together. Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round and as he finishes the last year (or so?) of his career, why not try to replicate his story with another late rounder?
The Rudolph experiment has run its course in Pittsburgh. His fellow Oklahoma State teammate, James Washington left town in free agency and the Steelers should move on from the four-year veteran this Saturday. A quarterback with a career record of 9-7-1 with starting experience could be subject to potentially pulling a sixth round pick this weekend.
Would you be okay with the Steelers moving on from Rudolph? Let us know in the comments below!
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