Is there potential quarterback drama brewing in Pittsburgh? The Steelers endured an inconsistent season at quarterback. Kenny Pickett started the season before going down with an injury.
Backup Mason Rudolph replaced Pickett and led the Steelers to a playoff berth. Pickett is under contract for 2024-25, while Rudolph is a pending free agent.
The Steelers went 3-0 in the regular season with Rudolph at the helm. The Oklahoma State Cowboy joined the Steelers in 2018 and knows the organisation.
Speaking to local radio, Steelers report Mark Kaboly confirmed Rudolph's desire to become a starting quarterback. Kaboly said, "Rudolph definitely wants to compete for a job and start somewhere. That is number one for him."
Kaboly also stated that Rudolph is not looking to join a new team, "There is no fresh start. That is just not true."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed that he sees Rudolph re-signing for the 2024-25 campaign.
Moreover, sources within the Steelers' locker room suggest that there is a division on which player gets the starting job.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, "Rudolph's teammates like him, several have politicked for him, and another indicated there is enough of a question as to who should be the starter that the coaching staff needs to figure out in a hurry."
It leaves Kenny Pickett in a vulnerable position. The Steelers drafted Pickett two years ago.
He was a first-round pick. Pickett played for the University of Pittsburgh and is the home-grown, hand-picked product.
Pickett has played inconsistently and erratically through two NFL seasons.
However, there are some mitigating circumstances. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada never managed to create clever game plans. The Steelers sacked Canada at the end of the season.
A new offensive coordinator could unlock Pickett's potential. But the noise around the Steelers is deafening. This storyline could run throughout the offseason.
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