In what has become the biggest offseason soap opera, the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t have their quarterback room squared away. While Pittsburgh wanted to bring back Justin Fields or even try and target Sam Darnold, neither ended up inking a deal with the team.
Instead, we will have to settle for Mason Rudolph.
While Rudolph is currently in the driver's seat, the Aaron Rodgers question mark looms large. The elderly veteran has a standing offer with the Steelers, but he is content to take his time and make the team wait.
With the offseason program in full swing, it is time to place some official percentages as to who will start. While two names are clearly in the lead, the margin between them is close. After that, things are really up in the air.
Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback odds
Aaron Rodgers – 45%
Rodgers tops this list as the slight favorite to start, although his margin is quickly shrinking. Following the George Pickens trade, this team is seemingly content with not being the usual competitors they claim to be every year.
That doesn’t mean that they don’t want Rodgers to sign. If that were the case, they would have already closed that door. Even with all of this extended drama, it seems likely that the Steelers still prefer to start Rodgers this year.
That said, I feel like the team is getting more and more comfortable going without the former MVP this year, and as more team activities resume, the more his odds take a hit. He is still in the pole position, but his lead is shrinking.
Mason Rudolph – 43%
Right behind Rodgers is everyone’s favorite backup turned starter in Mason Rudolph. Fans seem to be behind him now after a year apart, and while there are valid questions on his ability as a starter, you almost have to want to see what he can offer.
This offense wants to be a run-heavy unit, so Rudolph won’t have to be the guy every week. He is familiar with this team and the players around him, so he can fit in comfortably. Yes, his ceiling is capped, but it feels like football justice for him to get his shot this year with us.
READ MORE: One obvious George Pickens replacement is staring Steelers in the face
I feel like the Steelers are comfortable with letting Rudolph start. If they weren’t, they would have added more serious competition. The longer this goes, the higher his odds go, but I still feel like Pittsburgh prefers Rodgers.
Will Howard – 5%
I feel like fans as a whole are vastly overrating Will Howard. While a great value in the sixth round, he has some obvious flaws in his game. It seems almost impossible that Howard ends up starting this season.
That said, there is the faint chance. Rodgers would have to play elsewhere or retire, and Howard would have to win the backup spot. If he did, a bad stretch from Rudolph could force the team’s hand (as would an injury). All in all, though, I can’t see it happening.
Kirk Cousins – 4%
I’ll be perfectly blunt: If the Steelers trade for Kirk Cousins, it would be a desperate move. He looked washed last year, and I don’t see him moving the needle for this offense.
I feel like the Steelers are more content than usual to not be true competitors this season, so trading future assets for Cousins would go against that. Unless the Falcons just give him away, I don’t see him coming to Pittsburgh.
The Field – 3%
Unfortunately, not Justin Fields here, but you can’t discount the Steelers having an entirely different quarterback plan by the end of the season. That could be with Skylar Thompson or a veteran not yet on the roster.
That all said, it is easily the least likely option, as are the two options above. At this point, it is a two-horse race, and Steelers Nation is eager to have this drama resolved.