While the Steelers are in the market for a new starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger‘s two backups from 2021 are both under contract. Pittsburgh gave Dwayne Haskins a restricted free agent tender Friday.
The Steelers placed an original-round tender on Haskins, Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed tweets. Although the original-round tender sits third on the RFA salary hierarchy — behind first- and second-round tenders — it does effectively ensure Haskins will be a Steeler going into training camp. A team would have to give up a first-round pick to poach him, since Haskins was a first-round pick three years ago. The Ohio State product will be tied to a $2.54MM salary in 2022, barring an extension.
Haskins and Mason Rudolph‘s deals now run through the 2022 season, giving the team options — or depth, at least — under center. (Rudolph is set to earn $3MM in base salary next season.) The Steelers took a flier on Haskins following his quick Washington exit, and last season became a developmental year. After starting 13 games with Washington from 2019-20, the former high-end prospect did not play in 2021.
Pittsburgh has been linked to giving Rudolph a legitimate opportunity to succeed Roethlisberger. This would surely not go over well with the team’s fanbase, with the former third-round pick not impressing much in his starting chances thus far. Haskins has made more starts than Rudolph but played behind the longtime Steeler last year. The team has also been connected to Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston and Mitchell Trubisky, while it is believed to be high on Malik Willis. A Willis investment might take a trade-up for the Steelers, who hold the No. 20 overall pick.
I heard a lot of Malik Willis hype last week and was almost sold until I heard he’s only 6 foot or so. Now, not sold. Could be interested, but not sold.*
I don’t watch college, what’s the deal with Pickett? Low ceiling? Expected to be the first QB off the board, but no one seems excited about him at all.
I thought going into the off season they should target one of former #2 overall picks to compete at least. Wentz is gone. Trubisky seems like he’s going to be a Giant.
What about Mariota? Is he anything?
Can’t just hand a job to a Mason Rudolph.
*Also, I wonder if SEA might take him at #9 as a Wilson clone to keep their same playbook intact.
And you want to hand it to a Marcus Mariota? I’m just fine with ‘a Mason Rudolph’ for 2022.
You want to sign Mason Rudolph to a $50 million a year, ten year deal?
Pickett had a really good year, but he broke out as a redshirt senior and has smaller hands than any good QB in the league, so there’s some reason to be skeptical. But every QB in this draft comes with a reason.
His hands didn’t get smaller since college, though, right?
I don’t get that criticism…
The ball is bigger in the NFL, for one thing. He’ll also be playing substantially better competition.
In addition to the bigger ball, he also fumbled 26-27 times in college. I’m a fan of his. But I think he’d be better off in New Orleans or Indy playing in the dome.
That is a Daunte Culpepper like fumble total.
Ben made $30M last several years to be terrible. Gaining that money back to sign players will be so nice.