The Steelers‘ backup quarterback competition is one to watch this summer, Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes. Landry Jones has been a functional backup for the Steelers, but hasn’t been called upon in the last two years as Roethlisberger has been largely healthy. This year, rookie Mason Rudolph could supplant Jones as the No. 2 QB, leaving him one ill-fated play away from commanding the Steelers’ offense.
If Rudolph is as good as advertised, one can’t help but wonder if the Steelers could opt to carry two QBs instead of three, leaving Jones without a job. There has been no indication that Jones, who is entering his sixth NFL season, is on the bubble, but it may be something to keep in mind during training camp.
Here’s more from the AFC North:
- Free agent wide receiver Eli Rogers says he’ll “choose” where he’ll be play within the next few days (Twitter link). Rogers has been waiting in limbo after undergoing knee surgery this offseason. Rogers was a surprise standout for the Steelers in 2016 as he caught 48 passes for 504 yards and three touchdowns and continued his strong play in the postseason. He couldn’t replicate those numbers last year, but the Steelers are still said to be interested in re-signing him.
- The Ravens announced that tight end Vince Mayle is off the PUP list. Mayle was previously dealing with a high ankle sprain, but he passed his physical and is now eligible to practice. Mayle will have to compete for his job as the team has two locks at TE in first-round pick Hayden Hurst and third-round pick Mark Andrews. Mayle, Nick Boyle, Maxx Williams are competing for no more than two jobs, and it’s possible that only one other TE will make the cut behind the team’s rookies.
- Former Bengals first-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi is feeling good about his move to right tackle.
- Will Browns rookie Baker Mayfield start the most games of any first-round QB this year? Or will it be Ravens QB Lamar Jackson? Or one of the other three signal callers? Click here to cast your vote.
Josh Rosen and Josh Allen start the most games as rookie this year. Rosen is behind glass knee Bradford and Allen has 1 career backup and Mr 5 pick to compete with.