Mike Tomlin hasn't named a successor at the quarterback position in Pittsburgh yet. That should change soon as he is looking forward to the battle for the starting position. One of the biggest things Tomlin said during his press conference on Wednesday was that he valued mobility and much of the front office is valuing mobility as well. Tomlin and the front office know that the game of football is changing drastically and the need for a mobile quarterback is more important than having a statue throwing the ball in the back field.
Rudolph has finally acknowledged that he will get the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position with Ben Roethlisberger retiring before the 2022 season. Rudolph will not be alone competing for the starting quarterback position as Dwayne Haskins will most definitely be another candidate for the starting job. No one truly knows what the Steelers are going to do in the 2022 NFL draft as they have many holes that need to be filled, but the most important position that will need to be filled is going to be the quarterback position. I would imagine if Kyle Pickett falls to the Steelers in the draft they would take him instantly, but he may be hard to get.
Haskins recently said that both Rudolph and himself 'bring out the best in each other.' Rudolph feels a bit more confident saying it's a great feeling to get the opportunity to compete for the Steelers starting QB position. He feels now more than ever there is a real possibility of becoming a starting NFL quarterback more than ever with Ben Roethlisberger retiring.
Rudolph on becoming a starting NFL quarterback: “That’s all I’ve ever wanted to be is an NFL starting quarterback. I think I can do it. I think I have what it takes. I understand what I’ve put on tape in ’19 and until this point there are question marks on my game. I want to prove those people wrong, and I want to prove myself to my teammates and the guys that I really care about.”
If Mason Rudolph would like to become the Steelers starting quarterback then he better stop being a statue. Rudolph has had a lot of opportunities to show growth during the years with the Steelers, but it seems like he is stuck looking like a backup quarterback rather than taking the reins and being a dominate NFL quarterback. Rudolph was given a chance to start with the Steelers when Ben Roethlisberger went down with a season ending injury in 2019 and ended up going 5-3, but eventually was benched for Duck Hodges.
Rudolph on given the opportunity in Pittsburgh: "I'm ready to get the opportunity again to prove myself. I understand what I've put on tape in 2019, and up to this point, there's still question marks on my game, and I want to prove those people wrong. And I want to prove to myself and to my teammates. It's one day at a time."
It remains to be seen if Mason Rudolph will be given the opportunity he is looking for with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin has stated he is looking for a mobile quarterback and if that statement stands true then it will be hard for Rudolph to become the Steelers starting quarterback going forward.