With Kenny Pickett as a lock to be the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback of the future, the question lies on who his backup is. With rumors of Mason Rudolph reportedly wanting to stay as long as Mitchell Trubisky gets traded, that would leave a spot open for another quarterback.
Keith Srakocic / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) stands with Kenny Pickett (8) and Mitch Trubisky (10) during practice at NFL football training camp in the Latrobe Memorial Stadium in Latrobe, Pa., Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.
Steelers to fill the role of a backup QB
CBS recently released who some of their top options are for the Steelers to fill the role of a backup QB. One of these options stood out more than the others. Former Cleveland Browns and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback, Baker Mayfield was the number one option for Pittsburgh.
David Richard / AP
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 12, 2021, in Cleveland.
Mayfield stands out as he was a potential option last year for the Steelers before they decided to go with Tribusky. Now with the likelihood of a spot open again, he could be a potential possibility to play in Pittsburgh. With Mayfield being a former first-round pick and just recently being a starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers last season, all the upside is there to bring him in. Only negative about him is that he has the potential to be a starter, which could make him steer away from being a backup. CBS had this to say about Mayfield's potential in Pittsburgh:
"Mayfield's market value is still a little too high for a backup. That being said, Mayfield is a highly experienced quarterback whose experience includes a playoff win over the Steelers back in 2020. A former No. 1 overall pick, Mayfield's mobility would be an asset within Matt Canada's offense. He's still young (he turns 28 in April), so Mayfield could be a long-term backup option for Pickett."
John Kuntz / cleveland.com
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is hit at the knees by Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Sean Davis on a keeper for a first down in the fourth quarter.
Although Mayfield had a rough year last year, the potential is there. He is only 27 years old, which is the same age as Rudolph and is a year younger than Trubisky. In his first three years in the league, he was a very solid starter as well. As many Steelers fans remember in the 2020 season, he helped lead the Browns to beat the Steelers in the playoffs. The toughness of Steeler football is shown in him as well. During the 2021 season, Mayfield played through the season with a partially torn labrum, something that you would have seen Ben Roethlisberger do back in his hay days.
The 2022 season was Mayfield's worst season. But can you blame him? In the situation he was given with the Panthers, any NFL quarterback would have struggled. New coaches and trading away the team's star running back will make you struggle. But what made him stand out during this season was what he did with the Rams. Being their backup, he was able to achieve the Offensive Player of the Week after driving 98 yards in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders, which showed the heart and potential in him.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter of Thursday night's game.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Would you like to see Baker Mayfield in black and yellow? Is he a better option than Rudolph or Trubisky? Let me know in the comments below!
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