7 Steelers training camp battles that are heating up in 2021

Josh Dobbs vs. Dwayne Haskins

Keeping with the trend of third-string players, the Steelers should have a fun battle brewing at backup quarterback. While one could argue that Mason Rudolph should be listed here, his recent contract extension makes it seem like the team is set to roll with him as the top backup this season as well as allow him to throw his name into the ring for starting quarterback next season. It seems like a safe bet that he is the backup quarterback.

This leaves the recently resigned Josh Dobbs and the ever-controversial Dwayne Haskins as the third-string option. Both play an entirely different style of quarterback play, as Haskins is more of a pocket passer with a strong arm as opposed to Dobbs that relies on his impressive athleticism to make plays both through the air and on the ground. As well, Dobbs is an incredibly smart and calculated player, something that Haskins failed to show during his time in Washington.

At the end of the day, I think the slight edge goes to Haskins before camp opens. The team can retain him next season cheaply via the restricted free agent process and thus have two experienced quarterbacks on the roster next year. Don’t sleep on Dobbs, as his work ethic makes it impossible to count him out of the competition. As well, his athleticism could help the defense prepare for mobile quarterbacks during practice, so he presents value there even if not actually seeing offensive snaps. This should be a close battle once the team trims their roster at the end of camp.