The QB Question: Who Should Be the Steelers Starter Next Season?

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Noah Nichols. Follow him on Twitter @_NoahNichols

At the beginning of the 2021 season, every NFL pundit, analyst, and Steelers fan knew that Ben Roethlisberger was closing out his career. Ben has since announced his retirement and anyone who has access to the internet has been running through mock drafts and speculating who could be the Steelers starting quarterback in 2022.

After 18 years of one quarterback, it is exciting to inject new blood into the offense at the quarterback position. People are not wrong to want a new, younger, and (now) more talented quarterback. The problem is the question people are asking.

Instead of asking who could be the Steelers starting quarterback in 2022, we ought to be asking ourselves who should be the Steelers next quarterback. Part of the problem is that people fail to recognize that the Steelers do not have to find their franchise quarterback in 2022. The Steelers are perfectly fine waiting another year to find the next franchise quarterback. Keep that in mind as you continue to read.

To find the best quarterback option for 2022, I will run down a list of (pretty much) every single quarterback available for the Steelers. The lone man standing will surprise you, but in a good way.

By comparing the pros and cons of each quarterback option for the Steelers, I will narrow down the list of quarterbacks, until we can see who the Steelers most realistic options are and who they should pursue.

Let’s begin.

What is the Steelers strategy going to be?

The Steelers know that this 2022 quarterback class is not strong. They know the price a great quarterback like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson will require. What the Steelers do hinges on one thing: are the Steelers willing to wait until 2023 to get their franchise guy?

I think the answer is yes. However, that does not mean the Steelers will stand pat and do nothing to improve the QB room this offseason. Quite the contrary. The Steelers will still compete for a playoff spot, and they have shown no great amount of faith for Mason Rudolph, which suggests future additions.

With players like Najee Harris, TJ Watt, and Cam Heyward saying that they are looking forward to finding a new franchise quarterback, the Steelers clearly don’t believe that Rudolph is “the guy.” However, he is in the fold to start the 2022 season.

The Steelers will look to bring in someone to compete with Rudolph and will only draft a quarterback if one falls into their lap. Don’t spend more than two seconds reading articles that project the Steelers to trade up for the likes of Sam Howell; it’s not going to happen. Plain and simple.

The Steelers will add to the QB room this offseason. They just won’t spend more than they must. Patience is key to finding a franchise quarterback, no matter how frustrating. Still, it doesn’t hurt to get to know the options for the Steelers, and more importantly, who they are going to bring in when Free Agency begins.

Trade Options

Russell Wilson

Wilson is a pipe dream. First, the Seahawks have said they don’t want to trade Wilson. Second, Wilson has said that he wants to stay. The reason Wilson’s name is popping up has nothing to do with Wilson himself. It’s because Pete Carrol might move on – though at this point it seems a little late to do so, only two months away from the draft. National pundits and reporters have speculated that the new regime might want to move on.

Pros: Wilson, while having a strange tendency to fall off the face of the earth in December, is still an incredible quarterback. One of the best deep-ball passers of all time, Wilson would be able to consistently make defenders respect Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson’s speed. Weirdly enough, Claypool and Johnson are strikingly like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in Seattle, so Wilson would have little trouble acclimating to his new receivers.

Cons: While Wilson has reportedly been frustrated with his team in the past, a trade simply won’t happen. Sending two firsts and two seconds for an aging quarterback that has fallen apart in December over the last two years, does not make sense. And the Seahawks have shown no indication to trade Wilson.

Final Verdict: Even if Wilson and the ‘Hawks wanted to part ways, the asking price would be at least two firsts and two seconds. The Steelers will never give that much up for a 30-year-old quarterback, no matter how special.

Aaron Rodgers

Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to see A-Aron in a Steelers uniform. But if trading for Russel Wilson was a pipe dream, then Rodgers is a closet nightmare. Or maybe a fairytale dream. Sleeping analogies are not my strong suit. Regardless of my analogy skills, Rodgers is not going anywhere close to Pittsburgh in 2022. The Packers have been reported (by ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter) to be willing to “go all-in for Aaron Rodgers in 2022.”

Pros: Rodgers just won his second straight MVP award. He’s probably the most talented quarterback to ever play the game. He would immediately make the Steelers contenders for the Super Bowl, not the division. He can work around an “ok” offensive line. Throw in a great defense, and better receiver depth than what he has in Green Bay, and you might have your 2022-23 Super Bowl champions.

Cons: Rodgers will cost 45 million against the cap, something the Steelers could afford with their (up to) 80 million in cap space. Spending more than half of that on one player, no matter how great, is not something the Steelers will do. Rodgers will also cost more draft capital than Wilson. After winning his second straight MVP, the Packers (if they were to trade him) would require two first-round picks, plus a player or two. At least.

Final Verdict:  Ignore the big-media, ESPN-pundits who will tell you that Rodgers should come to Pittsburgh. Sure, he could. But the draft capital, cap space, and not to mention his age, make this an easy “no deal” for the Steelers.

Derek Carr

Perhaps not a popular candidate, nevertheless, Carr has made some sense to be the next Steelers quarterback. Unfortunately for Carr-hopefuls, the Raiders reportedly want Derek back. And Carr is seeking upwards of 45 million per year in his contract. Again, the Steelers could afford that number. But after paying for a premium quarterback over the last 15 years, the Steelers are not going to rush the gun, so to speak.

Pros: Carr was a top-10 quarterback this year, playing with remarkably few weapons around him. He is mobile enough to fit Mike Tomlin’s criteria and would immediately become the starter if the Steelers traded for him. He is reportedly a great leader and loved by the locker room. His only weakness is that he will never be better than Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, or Burrow. Still, he’s the best player that the Steelers could realistically trade for.

Cons: Carr played himself out of a potential second-round pick trade value this year. He would probably require at least two firsts, or one first, two seconds, and maybe something else thrown in. Remember, quarterback’s always cost more than they might be worth because they play the most important position on the field. Unlike Wilson and Rodgers, Carr isn’t worth that capital.

Final Verdict: “Leasing a new Carr” just does not make sense for the Steelers. And by the time Free Agency rolls around, Carr will probably have signed a contract extension with the Raiders.

Free-Agent Options

Marcus Mariota

Quite the popular name, at least around here, Mariota is the first name on the list that makes some sense. While he did tear his ACL early last season, he should be fully healthy and ready to play entering Free Agency. He would not cost much to bring in, probably no more than 12 million on a 2-year contract.

Pros: Would not cost the Steelers much to sign. He’s a good athlete and would be the most mobile quarterback the Steelers have had since Josh Dobbs, something that Mike Tomlin has said the Steelers are looking for. Mariota has the tools to work with, as a former no. 2 overall pick.

Cons: He’s never been consistent. His arm strength is not spectacular, and he is not an elite runner. After an ACL tear, it’s not unreasonable to question if he will keep his speed and agility at the same level. He tends to turn the ball over and has never been a top-16 quarterback. There are reasons why he won’t cost much to sign.

Final verdict: The Steelers should avoid signing Mariota. He doesn’t bring enough to the table to do anything other than compete with Mason and Haskins for the starting job in training camp.

Jameis Winston

I thought about saying that Winston might be the most polarizing option on this list until I remembered the next quarterback on the list. Still, most fans and critics seem to either love or hate Winston to the Steelers, with few people standing in between. Personally, this is my favorite option for the Steelers. Here’s why.

Pros: Great deep ball. With a strong arm, he can make all the throws. Has had a year in Sean Payton’s system to learn and grow as a quarterback. He would cost as much as Mariota, so the asking price is not high. He has the most potential out of any quarterback on this list, aside from Wilson, Willis, Rodgers, and perhaps Carr. He has worked on his mobility over the last year, and after cutting down on his weight, is a fine runner, though by no means is it strength.

Cons: He’s well known for his 30-interception year. His tendency to force throws he probably shouldn’t is concerning. However, Jameis had the highest air yards per attempt in 2019, when he had 30 interceptions.

Final Verdict: Winston played very well in the eight games he started in 2022. He had no real weapons, outside of Alvin Kamara to help him, too. Combining cost with potential, Winston makes a lot of sense.

In-House Quarterbacks

Technically, Mason Rudolph is the only quarterback under contract for 2022. The Steelers can place an original-round tender on Dwayne Haskins, which would cost the Steelers roughly 3 million, and force any team that wished to sign Haskins to give up a first-round pick. The Steelers will certainly do so, and no team is going to give up a first-round pick for Haskins.

Mason Rudolph

The most controversial option for the Steelers, Rudolph has an inside track to becoming the Steelers' starting quarterback for 2022. Steelers fans need to recognize that, like it or not, Rudolph is the probable candidate to start the 2022 season.

Pros: Throwing the ball deep is his greatest strength. He excelled at it in college and has proved it again in the NFL. Don’t believe me? Watch the Browns – Steelers last regular-season game highlights from 2020. He is more mobile than he gets credit for. He is a relentless worker and constantly tries to improve his craft.

Cons: He lacks experience, and his overall talent leaves something to desire. I won’t bash him as much as Steelers fans will. He is not terrible, and he’s probably the best backup quarterback in the league, at worst. However, his ceiling is not all that high either.

Final Verdict: I liken Rudolph to Ryan Tannehill. Both are not uber-talented, but they can make plays when they have the players to work with. Both get blamed for things outside of their control, and both don’t have high ceilings. Because Rudolph is the only quarterback under contract for 2022, he has the best chance to be the starter when the regular season rolls around. He’s the least expensive, lowest-risk option for the Steelers.

Dwayne Haskins

Pros: Very strong arm. Creates tremendous velocity with his throws. More mobile than his stature gives him credit. He has more starting experience than Rudolph.

Cons: Tendency to be inaccurate. His mechanics leave more to be desired. He has only spent three years as a quarterback because he left college for the NFL after one year as a starting quarterback.

Final Verdict: He could become a starter, but hopes are not high. He will be on the roster and be given a chance to compete, but I highly doubt he starts the 2022 season.

Draftable Quarterbacks

To be very blunt, there is only one player in this draft I think the Steelers should take if they want to try and get their next franchise quarterback. I’ll get to him later on, but regardless, this draft class is not strong enough to warrant taking a quarterback unless one falls in their lap. I’m only going to highlight the pros and cons of these quarterbacks – if I spend too much time detailing more about them I would have to write a book.

Kenny Pickett:

Pros: Moxie, good athlete, above average decision making, throwing on the run

Cons: small hands, average arm strength, struggles in rough weather

Final Verdict:  the Steelers would take Pickett at pick 20. He has Joe Burrow like qualities, and he's better than any QB currently on the present roster. However, I don't believe they would consider trading up for him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Desmond Ridder

Pros: second-best athlete in the class, sufficient arm strength

Cons: wiry frame can lead to injuries, lacks consistent accuracy, mechanics are a little behind what you would prefer

Final Verdict: Ridder is a quarterback that you can take a flier on in the second round. If the Steelers want to do that, great. But if the Steelers don’t take a quarterback in the first round, they won’t draft one at all. There are too many needs elsewhere.

Malik Willis

Pros: Highest ceiling in the class. Incredible arm strength. Best athlete in the class. Is thick and put-together, so there are few concerns regarding injuries from running the ball.

Cons: Lowest floor in the class. Tends to be a one-read quarterback, though the scheme may have had a part of that. Certainly, Liberty did him no favors, but he needs to learn to stay in the pocket longer.

Final Verdict: Willis is the only quarterback the Steelers should draft from this class if they take one at all. As Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson proved, taking the quarterback with the most talent is the only way to go. Sure, it's risky. But if you don’t, you will miss out on a chance to grab an elite quarterback prospect. And reports out of the Senior Bowl indicate that the Steelers love Willis. We’ll see what that means.

Carson Strong

Pros: Second-best arm strength in class. He is consistent and doesn’t make too many mistakes. He won’t impress you with his mobility, but he’s athletic enough to do just enough to get by.

Cons: He’s had consistent problems with his knees, since high school, so injuries are a concern. Hopefully, that is behind him, but his mobility has clearly taken a hit. He is not accurate on the move whatsoever.

Final Verdict: Like Ridder, Strong is a 2nd round quarterback you can take a flier on. If he had come out in 2012, he would be a top-10 pick. The NFL has moved away from stand-still quarterbacks, and that’s mostly what Strong projects to be. After watching Ben struggle to run five yards over the last two years, I doubt the Steelers have much interest.

Sam Howell

Pros: He really reminds me of Baker Mayfield, but the more talented version. An underrated runner, he has great contact balance and enough speed to make plays out of the pocket. Like Mayfield, he’s pretty accurate. Unlike Mayfield, Howell is a better leader in the locker room.

Cons: Small for the position, he has limitations. He struggles to make throws over the middle of the field, especially when the pocket gets pushed upon him. Throwing the ball on the run is not a strength.

Final Verdict: I like Howell more than the average Steelers fan. I think he could be in play at 20, and if he were to be the pick, I wouldn’t be dissatisfied. I do think the Steelers can do better though, so he is not my first choice.

Matt Corral

Pros: Able to make all the throws. Tough runner, above-average athlete, and a great leader.

Cons: No supreme trait, when you watch him play, nothing jumps out at you that you “must-have.” A good player and lacks any real weakness, but he won’t blow you away.

Final Verdict: Think of him as the (slightly) better Sam Howell. He’s a good player, but I don’t think he’s special enough to warrant trading up for. If he were available at 20, he might be the pick, but there is little evidence he makes it that far.

Final Four

Now that we have measured all the Steelers options, it’s time to boil it down. We know the Steelers are best suited to wait until 2023 to find their franchise quarterback. Knowing who the Steelers are interested in, what they are looking for, and what they already have, there are only four quarterbacks who the Steelers should pursue. Those quarterbacks are:

-Malik Willis

-Kenny Pickett

-Jameis Winston

-Mason Rudolph

Who the Steelers should sign

-Jameis Winston. Book it now, place your bets, be ready to buy your jersey, Winston is the guy. All jokes aside, Winston makes the most sense for the Steelers.  His upside, combined with low cost, makes it an easy move. The Steelers can and should still pursue Malik Willis if he falls in the draft. Willis could still learn behind Winston.

The Steelers would still be free to draft lineman and receivers early if they wanted to as well – Winston has enough potential and a high enough floor that the Steelers could try and enter a “win now” mode before they must begin paying their offensive stars. Winston is good enough for the Steelers to win their division. He has the potential to be good enough to win a couple of playoff games, too.

Low cost + high reward? Sign me up for that.