6 reasons the Steelers will not take a QB in 2022 NFL Draft
By Andrew Falce
Steelers have in-house options
Before I go any farther, let me make myself clear that I don’t believe any of the backup quarterbacks that the Steelers have are anything more than backups. Despite some upside, the team’s future franchise quarterback isn’t on the roster. That said, either Dwayne Haskins or Mason Rudolph could certainly be the bridge quarterback for a season or two.
Looking first at Haskins, the least likely of the two, he flashed some good and bad during the preseason. He is only under contract for one year, but the team has the rights to him as a restricted free agent next offseason and can have him back for between two-three million for one year. Assuming the team picks up that option, he will likely insert himself into the quarterback competition.
The more likely solution is Rudolph, as the veteran signed a small extension to remain with the Steelers through next season. Considering the contract and the draft investment made in him, he should be the favorite to be the starter in 2022. Again, I have my doubts in terms of his franchise potential, but the Steelers clearly like him enough. He would be cheaper than any free agent brought in, and the results (a year or two to build the rest of the team before drafting their guy) would likely be the same.