PITTSBURGH — While Pittsburgh SteelersMike Tomlin coach says all options are available to add another quarterback to challenge for the starting job next year. However, the internal candidates are more than willing to compete for that position.
Ben RoethlisbergerTomlin confirmed Tuesday that Tomlin has not yet officially announced his retirement. However, he stated Tuesday that he continues to believe the 39-year-old will not be coming back.
Mason RudolphHe is currently the only quarterback under contract for the 2022 season, and he is entering his fifth year. Former Washington Football Team selection in the first round Dwayne HaskinsThis is a restricted-free agent. Both can compete for the job.
Haskins stated that “they’re giving me the chance to compete” and “I have a possibility to start.” It’s all that I could want.”
Rudolph, 26 years old, has an opportunity to seize the job of starting quarterback from the beginning for the first time since being selected in the third round.
Rudolph stated that all he wants is to have the chance to win and be the best. “Seems like that’s more possible now than ever. These last four years have taught me that as long as Ben is healthy, you are not playing.
“… “… I know what I’ve said on tape in 2019, and there are still questions on my game. I want those people to be wrong. And I want that to be proven to myself and my teammates. It takes one day at a given time.
Rudolph was active in only two games this season. He also started in Week 10 against the Tigers. Detroit LionsRoethlisberger had tested positive for COVID-19 the day before. Rudolph also participated in eight games of the rollercoaster season 2019, in which he suffered a concussion and was hit on his head with his helmet. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles GarrettHe suffered a season-ending injury in the latter part of the year. He finished the season with 13 touchdowns (and nine interceptions) and a 62.2 percent completion rate.
Rudolph was part of Rudolph’s development and watched all of the 2019 tapes last offseason.
Rudolph stated that Rudolph believed it was the most difficult season of my life. It happened in a span of just 10 weeks. It was that year that I became a better man. I’ve been hardened. My skin is thickened. I’ve been through so much.
“I know I’m better prepared for any football challenge that comes my way. I have a sort of “screw-it” mentality. I finally had the chance to play the game that I love. I will empty the tank with no regrets.
Rudolph was Haskins’ backup job and Haskins was inactive in training camp. Haskins signed a one year deal with the Steelers in Free Agency. Although he hasn’t played in a regular-season NFL match since Dec. 27, 2020 Haskins believes he is still capable of being a starter.
Haskins said, “I certainly feel like a starter” in the league. “I was selected for this reason. Although I believe I have the talent to compete with the best, I still haven’t figured it all out. That’s what I have to do in the offseason in order for me to be in that position.
Rudolph and Haskins agree that part of earning the job is their leadership abilities.
Rudolph said, “I might be a bit more myself. Being the leader I’ve always remained at the quarterback position and not being worried about stepping on toes of long-time Hall of Fame players.”
Although Haskins was criticised for not having the right people in Washington, he feels he is becoming a leader here.
Haskins declared, “I want be a leader.” “I want to be a man people can depend on on and off of the field. I’m not just a good thrower and a skilled player. I’m a skilled player. I can execute at an excellent level. I can maintain the Steeler spirit and keep moving forward on the path that we want to take, including making playoff runs and getting to the Super Bowl. ________________________________________