:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69441301/1283393946.0.jpg)
After Mason Rudolph was asked about his future in the NFL, and he understandably answered he saw himself as a starter in the league, some media types provided their thoughts on who the Steelers next quarterback may be. A few went as far to say the Steelers next starting quarterback isn't already on the roster. But who could actually fill that void? Below is a list of 2022 free agents, cut/trade candidates, and a couple of the drafts top players.
Free Agents
Teddy Bridgewater
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652081/1294339753.jpg)
Bridgewater has been the ultimate journeyman playing on five different teams since 2017 and will likely add a sixth in 2022. Like all of the free agents on this list I’m fairly certain the Steelers have more talent in their backup quarterback room
Taysom Hill
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652084/1294349866.jpg)
The man every somewhat athletic quarterback gets compared too. I doubt Matt Canada would want this gadget type player running his famed offense. Hill is an experimental type player and a very high risk.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652087/1322527212.jpg)
If the Steelers wanted another end of career veteran, then Fitzpatrick might be the perfect choice. The bearded one might be on a retirement tour in 2021, but his service might be coveted, and he might play for his tenth career team.
Andy Dalton
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652090/1294331461.jpg)
The Bears backup QB is used to AFC North football, but I think if you're going to sign Dalton you would want to pair him with a rookie.
Jameis Winston
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652091/1291445454.jpg)
Winston has a chance to be the cream of the free agent crop, however if he proves his doubters wrong I highly doubt New Orleans lets him out of their sight.
Cam Newton
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652093/1294685945.jpg)
Newton will be fighting for his starting job all season long with Alabama rookie Mac Jones breathing down his neck. The former MVP has taken a step back in recent years but he might shine in the right system.
Marcus Mariota
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652095/1291878719.jpg)
Mariota took a massive pay cut to remain in Las Vegas and will compete with Derek Carr for the starting gig. Mariota had some flashes of brilliance in 2020 and could very well become Jon Gruden’s guy if he doesn't draft one next year.
Cut/Trade candidates
Derek Carr
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652097/1293369303.jpg)
And speaking of the Las Vegas Raiders, incumbent Derek Carr is a prime candidate to get released. His contract would save the Raiders $19,877,519 if he is released. If they don’t think Carr is the guy he will become available.
Matt Ryan
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652099/1293351495.jpg)
The Falcons are clearing out the old guard and it looks as though Matt Ryan could be next. However he has a massive cap hit in 2022 and won't easily be moved. The Falcons will probably aggressively shop him.
Jimmy Garoppolo
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652105/1282324116.jpg)
The 49ers will slowly turn the offense over to young Trey Lance making Jimmy Garoppolo expendable. His contract is virtually uncuttable but could be a trade candidate come next spring.
Aaron Rodgers
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652108/1298238120.jpg)
This situation is a mess... I’m not so sure this saga lasts until next year but something has got to give.
Deshaun Watson
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652114/1294719992.jpg)
This situation is also a mess, but not only is it a mess between the player and the team but between Watson and the law. I would be shocked if the Steelers chased after this guy.
Prospects
Sam Howell
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652124/1294503324.jpg)
The Steelers won't nearly be bad enough to land this Baker Mayfield clone, but is that what Steeler fans want?...
Spencer Rattler
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652128/1293827534.jpg)
The Steelers won’t also be bad enough to land Rattler... But boy would it be fun to watch him in Matt Canada’s offense.
Malik Willis
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652133/1230338661.jpg)
Now we are in territory of possibility for the Steelers. Willis could rise like Trey Lance did this past year, and is the best non-power-5 school quarterbacks in this class.
Kedon Slovis
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22534199/1292033891.jpg)
The Steeler have avoided West coast players in recent drafts so it will be interesting to see if that continues. But Slovis needs a good year to lock himself into being a first round QB.
Desmond Ridder
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652137/1294478231.jpg)
Perhaps my favorite fit and actually possible draft value is Desmond Ridder. He has the size and the athleticism to make it in the NFL but his arm needs some polishing. A ‘red-shirt’ rookie year would do him well.
JT Daniels
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22652138/1313537148.jpg)
The number 1 recruit of the 2017 high school class Daniels bounced from USC to Georgia but has cemented his status as a top quarterback in this class. Much like Slovis and Ridder, Daniels needs a big 2021 season to be a first round pick.
But what do you think? Will one of these names be the Steelers next starting Quarterback? Tell us who and why in the comments below.