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Charlie Batch predicts who replaces Big Ben for Steelers

By Michelle Kotts

Pittsburgh Steelers former quarterback Charlie Batch plays catch with area youth as part of the NFL "Play 60" initiative before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 33-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers former quarterback Charlie Batch plays catch with area youth as part of the NFL "Play 60" initiative before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 33-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the Steelers’ victory over the Browns, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch appeared on SiriusXM Radio to address Their win and the 2022 season.

It’s always interesting to hear feedback from previous players about what may happen to the Steelers in 2022. Charlie is no exception. While he commented on several issues in the interview, he did have a lot to say on the future of the upcoming quarterback situation. Plus, Charlie predicted who he feels the Steelers’ quarterback may be in the 2022 season.

Big Bens’ Retirement

When asked if Ben Roethlisberger would retire, he unequivocally said he would. He made this prediction based on his conversations with Big Ben and other things he had observed. One of those observations was the fact when the Steelers played in Kansas City; his family attended the away game.

It was the first time Ben’s family traveled with him to an away game. His perspective was that this had the makings of a farewell tour indication Big Ben would retire after the 2021 season.

Who Replaces Big Ben

Before getting to who he thought would replace Ben as the Steelers’ signal-caller, he made one important observation. First, he pointed at the fact Mike Tomlin was on the record of not wanting to go with a rookie when Ben retires. If it is true Tomlin does not want to replace Roethlisberger with a rookie, it opens the question of whether the Steelers will bother drafting a quarterback and will rather look to free agency to address that need possibly.

Also, He noted that because the Steelers failed to make preparations for his eventual retirement, they have failed at properly securing a smooth transition to Ben’s eventual replacement. He seemed to be a bit critical of the Steelers about that. They knew Ben’s retirement was coming and did little to plan for it. Thus the Steelers were creating a situation in which they must decide who eventually replaces Roethlisberger, a free agent, trade, going internal, or use a draft pick.

Batch then went on the record to state that if anyone takes the reigns of the Steelers in 2022, it will be Mason Rudolph. He had a solid rationale, at any rate. He said that the steelers decided to offer Rudolph a contract extension when they didn’t need to. He feels they would have never extended his contract if they did not want Ruldoph to take the reigns in 2022. However, he did temper this view by saying that even if they decide on Rudolph, they will still bring in an additional quarterback to compete for the starting job before making a final decision.

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There is a lot of time between now and the Start of the 2022 season. Anything could happen. Will Rudolph be given the nod in 2022? That is still an open-ended question which the draft will ultimately answer. If they draft a quarterback, they may go with a rookie. If they do not draft anyone, they may more likely strongly consider Rudolph depending on how any competition they bring into training camp performs.