2021 NFL Draft: Five teams in the market for a mid-round quarterback
By Kyle Edmond
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been avoiding the quarterback conversation since they drafted Ben Roethlisberger back in 2004. The last five years have consisted of rumors urging them to take another quarterback to be Big Ben’s predecessor, but they’ve pushed them off for a long time.
Current backup Mason Rudolph has been the relief behind Roethlisberger, but in his starts, he hasn’t impressed enough to have the support to be the long-term answer when Roethlisberger steps away. Now, the clock has almost run out.
Roethlisberger’s contract has one year remaining with an opt-out clause that could be used this offseason. Should he step away from the Steelers this year or next, the Steelers need to seriously start considering the next man up. Picking late in the first round, Pittsburgh won’t have a shot at one of the better quarterback prospects, most likely leaving them with a mid-round talent.
Rudolph was a third-round pick, so the Steelers could look for another quarterback in that range. Plus, Rudolph’s contract expires when Roethlisberger’s does, so Pittsburgh could wipe the slate clean at quarterback. Given the talent of this class, that pick would most likely be an upgrade over Rudolph and provide a better option moving forward.