Quarterback could become an immediate need for the Steelers if both Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky are set free this offseason.
Many different scenarios could play out between now and the beginning of the regular season. Quarterback might not seem like a focus this offseason, but that could change rather quickly. Mitch Trubisky has voiced his frustrations and that could lead to a potential trade demand or a release if things continue to escalate.
Mason Rudolph is gone, and who could really blame him? He has been stuck in the backup role and never got a real opportunity at the starting job with the Steelers this past season. He was shoved down to the third-string role that he handled with class. Rudolph is a free agent and will likely sign elsewhere to win a backup role or better this offseason.
Steelers could always bring Josh Dobbs back for another year
One of the most likely scenarios that could happen if the Steelers need a quarterback is the return of Josh Dobbs. He has been bounced around the NFL for some time now and has finally gotten some meaningful snaps as a starting quarterback. He could always return to the Tennessee Titans after he showed some good things after being thrust into action on short notice. He is a smart player that has shown the ability to absorb information and use his athleticism on the field.
The real question here would be if Dobbs thought coming back to Pittsburgh would be a good idea or not. The coaching staff likes him, and they stuck with him as a backup in different scenarios ever since they took him in the draft. Dobbs did not get any starting experience throughout his career with the Steelers, but he has that on his resume now. If the Titans do not re-sign him before free agency and the need is there, Dobbs would seemingly be the most likely candidate to backup Pickett next year on a cheap deal.
Gardner Minshew would bring starting experience to the backup role
Perhaps Gardner Mishew would be too pricey for the black and gold this offseason, but it would be fun. Minshew-mania is real, and that excitement seems to follow this signal caller everywhere he goes. Besides the different off-the-field excitement that he brings along with him, there is also a ton of starting experience that he provides.
Getting those starting snaps are invaluable when your team is trying to bring in a backup quarterback. Signing someone that has been a starter in the NFL to be ready at any moment to jump into a game is vital. The positive is that Minshew has been a backup over the last several years, so that role would be nothing new to him.
He could always gun for a starting job in the NFL, which would rule out the Steelers if this quarterback hits free agency. Minshew has 24 starts in the NFL over his four seasons in the league after being a sixth-round selection in 2019. He would be a young guy that could keep this offense rolling if Pickett got hurt and provide some starter-capable games in the process. The biggest setback with this player is that he could garner a larger market and therefore a higher price.
Jacoby Brissett could make the move between rivals this offseason
Someone that Steelers fans should recognize on this list is Jacoby Brissett. He started over half the season for the Cleveland Browns this year as Deshaun Watson served out his 11-game suspension. In those 11 games, Brissett did a good enough job to earn another opportunity in the NFL, which could be in a starting competition.
This veteran quarterback is not going to wow you with anything, but he is smart and has shown the ability to keep a bad team competitive. Over the course of his career, Brissett has gotten a lot of starting experience on some bad football teams. Getting him as a backup might not be his first choice, but free agency could play out a certain way for him to fall into Pittsburgh’s arms.
Over his seven-year career in the NFL, this veteran signal-caller has started 48 games with four different clubs. He is a big-bodied player that is not as mobile as most of the other quarterbacks in today’s age. He tries to hang in the pocket if possible before moving. Changing from one AFC North rival to another would be an interesting option, but he could be a great addition for Pickett with the amount of experience he carries.
Taylor Heinicke is the best backup option for the Steelers in free agency
Taylor Heinicke is a former undrafted free agent from the 2015 NFL Draft. He hails from Old Dominion, which is not known for being a powerhouse college program. Since entering the NFL, Heinicke has been on five different teams with a bunch of bumps in the road along the way.
It has been a long road for this quarterback as he saw his dreams of playing in this league dwindle into nothing. He took a shot at the XFL with the St. Louis BattleHawks before he got another opportunity in Washington. That is where he earned a decent chunk of starts. He started most of Washington’s games in 2021 and had a good stretch of battles this past season as well.
There is no special part to Heinicke’s game, but he plays without fear and keeps his team in games. One thing that he has proven since his stint in Washington began was the ability to keep his team in contests. This signal caller was able to keep a winning record afloat during his starts in the capital, even if things got dicey.
The Steelers could use a guy like this veteran to backup Pickett next season and potentially beyond. He seems like he will be looking for a new gig in the NFL after being benched this past year. That did come as a surprise after he led the Commanders to a winning stretch that was the best of their season.
The Steelers could be on the hunt for one or two quarterbacks this offseason if things fall a certain way. They need a veteran that can come in and potentially tutor Kenny Pickett some and be ready to start if an injury happens.