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Steelers have contentious choices ahead of Big Ben’s pending retirement

By Michelle Kotts

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers  Mason Rudolph (2) Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Rudolph or Haskins

If the Steelers do not opt to sign a free agent, they can choose to go with either Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins. Neither is an appetizing prospect.

Granted, Mason Rudolph did not have a great season in 2019 when he had to fill in for Ben Roethlisberger. Because of that, Mike Tomlin kept switching between Rudolph and third-string quarterback Devlin Hodges, but he was a rookie. He’s now into his third season. One would think he should play better now if he takes control of the offense.

That said, when Roethlisberger was out due to COVID against the Lions, Rudolph managed to play the NFL’s only winless team to a tie. The Steelers could choose to go at least one season and try to rebuild or draft someone in 2022. However, it’s hard to say if they want to go this route.

If not Rudolph, they could go with Haskins. Haskins did play some with Washington about 16 games over two seasons. Then the Steelers signed him as a backup in 2021. However, Haskins could not win the backup role and is currently the third-string quarterback. If given a chance, perhaps he could excel; however, it’s hard to consider a scenario in which they give him the starting job, given he could not win the backup role.

If none of these options play out, it leaves one last option, the 2023 draft class.