Could Steelers Replace Mason Rudolph Before Season?
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have their quarterback room in place with Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. But if an opportunity presented itself, would they make a change to help better their future at the position?
Right now, the Steelers are looking at one year of Rudolph on the roster and three years of Trubisky. That being said, Trubisky's cap hit jumps from $6 million to $8.3 million by 2025, which likely means he's on his way out before then.
So, could the Steelers look to add a more secure - and affordable - member to their roster before that jump is made? And if that opportunity presented itself this summer, would they be against a change to make it happen?
The first, and maybe only, name that comes to mind is Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. The second-year quarterback struggled in his limited action as a rookie, throwing no touchdowns and three interceptions. However, he's impressed during OTAs and minicamp. So much so, that he's been "outperforming" rookie Will Levis, according to team reporter Jim Wyatt.
However, it's still not a guarantee he'll make the team for the Titans. Tennessee tends to keep just two quarterbacks on their active roster, and with Ryan Tannehill as the starter, it's going to be tough for Willis to convince the coaching staff he deserves a place of their second-round rookie.
"Malik's roster spot isn't guaranteed, even with the new rule," Wyatt writes. "Ryan Tannehill and Will Levis will be on the 53-man roster because Tannehill is the starter, and Levis was the 33rd overall pick and he's going to be given time. So, Malik needs to keep improving, and earn his spot. Right now, I think he will be on the 53 himself, and I wasn't thinking that way the beginning of May. Malik outperformed Levis this offseason, and definitely showed improvement from a year ago. But things can change."
If Willis doesn't make the team after their final preseason game, he's going to be a hot commodity on the open market. But with limited quarterback spots open around the league, the Steelers might have an interesting pitch for the NFL sophomore.
"Come to Pittsburgh, learn the ropes behind Trubisky and then step in as a backup next season." -- or something like that.
Really, the only question would be if the team was willing to truly move on from Rudolph. Mike Tomlin and company couldn't hide their love for Willis during the draft process. At the same time, Pittsburgh has given Rudolph very minimum opportunities since 2019. So, if they don't see the veteran as a long-term piece to the puzzle, why miss out on someone they do?
It's a pretty big 'what if' when the time comes. But if Willis does find himself looking for a new NFL home, the Steelers don't have much of an excuse to sign him.
Really, it would come down to whether or not Mason Rudolph is replaceable.
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