Recalling Mason Rudolph as a potential replacement for Kenny Pickett is a bold move made by Steelers owner Art Rooney.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may decide to continue using their current quarterbacks.
While acknowledging that the team needs improved play from their quarterbacks, Art Rooney II, the owner of the team, expressed faith that Kenny Pickett can provide it during his end-of-season press conference.
“As for the next step, we have to make every effort to ensure that our QB position produces quality moving ahead. During the January 29 news briefing, Rooney II stated, “We still feel good about Kenny Pickett and his future, but he knows he has to work hard to take the next step” (via Steelers.com’s Bob Labriola).
The Steelers’ ability to ultimately snap their playoff losing record will depend on whether or not they can improve at quarterback, but they might still look to some well-known players for that progress.
Rooney feels that there should be a rivalry between him and another quarterback for the Steelers, as he wasn’t prepared to simply surrender the reins to Pickett.
Rooney Verifies Steelers Desire Rudolph’s Return
What the Steelers would do with Mason Rudolph was one of the concerns around the QB situation going into the offseason.
With three games remaining in the regular season, the sixth-year quarterback assumed the starting role and performed well enough to send the team to the postseason.
Although he was unable to lead the team to victory in the playoffs, his ability to keep Pickett off the field for a few weeks gave him the opportunity to return and challenge for the starting role in 2024.
According to Rudolph’s recent statements, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin informed him as much during their farewell meeting.
The owner of the team has now verified it.
Mason Rudolph entered the game and demonstrated what the team could accomplish with competent quarterback play, thus Rooney II expressed interest in getting Mason back.
Even while he said the team is comfortable with Pickett, the owner of the Steelers also seemed quite open to the possibility of Rudolph and Pickett battling for the position.
“We still feel comfortable with Kenny, but it’s important for everyone to have competition at quarterback and we can’t ignore what Mason did.”
This will undoubtedly be their last opportunity to demonstrate that losing in the first round of the playoffs isn’t their ceiling if running it back with Rudolph and Pickett is the idea.
Preparing the Quarterbacks for Victory
The Steelers must take action to position Pickett or Rudolph for success if they choose not to go after outside QB alternatives through the draft or free agency.
To start, the QBs are surrounded by a lot of weapons, which is excellent.
The group needs to get better at blocking, though. They require a tackle and an upgrade at center.
They must appoint an appropriate offensive coordinator as well.
With Matt Canada leading the offensive, the Steelers’ offense was brutal to watch, and after he was gone, Pickett started playing better almost away.
The Steelers now have the opportunity to try and get a player who can maximize the potential of their quarterback.
It will be obvious that it’s time to move on at quarterback in 2025 if the team strengthens the offensive line, adds a competent coach, and the QBs still can’t finish the job.
