The Pittsburgh Steelers may be taking an unexpected approach to their quarterback situation this offseason.At least one journalist believes that at the moment.In his January 22 episode of the Madden Monday podcast, Mark Madden predicted that the Steelers would let Mason Rudolph leave in free agency to “protect” Kenny Pickett..
“If you were to bet on it, it would be Josh Dobbs,” Madden said. “I think they let (Mason) Rudolph go because the moment Pickett has a bad game, the fans are asking for Rudolph to come in. (The Steelers) don’t want real pressure, not real competition. So no matter what says Tomlin. In that regard, Pickett is No. 1. Someone not currently on the roster is No. 2. Everything that happens this offseason is predetermined.”The situation Madden is talking about playing out if the Steelers let go of Rudolph would be nothing new to Pennsylvania sports fans..
Carson Wentz was an MVP candidate before a knee injury ended his 2017 season.Nick Foles started the final three games of the regular season and won the Super Bowl that year.The following year, Foles was often asked to take over until Wentz’s injury made that a reality.Wentz never reached that MVP level again..
Sure, Pickett hasn’t reached the same level, but the repeated calls for a different QB could slow his development just the same.Madden seems to believe another familiar face will get a backup role..
A Reunion With a Familiar Face?
Madden’s prediction for Rudolph included his prediction that Josh Dobbs will be the team’s backup in 2024.Dobbs gives the team another familiar face on the bench..
The veteran QB actually had two with the franchise already.The Steelers drafted him in 2017, but they traded him two years later when he lost the backup job to Rudolph.He was brought back in 2020 and spent two seasons with the team before hitting free agency again..
The 2023 season was very uneven for Dobbs. He impressed early in the season, surprisingly keeping the Cardinals in contention when they were waiting for Kyler Murray to return.When Murray returned, he was traded to the Vikings and led the team to victory just five days after joining the team.By the end of the season, he was ranked third on the team behind Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall..
Now he can become the Steelers’ backup again, so Pickett shouldn’t have his job in jeopardy..
The Steelers Need Real Competition at QB
Even if the Steelers decide that bringing Rudolph back could be a problem if Pickett struggles, the team still needs to bring in someone who can give him real competition for the job.Pike must be encouraged to continue to improve in the offseason or the team will continue to fail to accomplish anything truly meaningful..
The Steelers also need a backup plan if Pickett gets hurt or just doesn’t play well in 2024.The free agent class isn’t very inspiring, but there are some interesting names that could push a young QB without the same fan base as Rudolph.Gardner Minshew didn’t make much money in 2023, but the Colts made the playoffs..
He’s been considered a backup for most of his career, but he’s at least someone Pickett should really beat out for the job.Ryan Tannehill could provide unique insight as a backup to Pickett. Tannehill was not immediately successful after being taken eighth overall, but turned things around and eventually made the Pro Bowl.He struggled in 2023 but had little to do in Tennessee. Pickett should be able to beat him in the preseason, but he wouldn’t be a bad choice as a backup either..
The Steelers don’t need to keep Rudolph if they think it will hurt Pickett’s development, but they still need someone who can challenge their struggling QB and hopefully bring out the best in him..
