OK so here is what we know. The Pittsburgh Steelers have three men in their Quarterback room as of this writing. Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar. The major question of course is what happens once Aaron Rodgers has had enough time in his darkness retreat to make a decision on his future. Let’s discuss the scenarios.
If Rodgers Returns
Should the 42-year old Rodgers decide to grace us with his presence, the QB situation gets interesting. Many seem to think that Rudolph would be the odd man out leaving Howard and Allar as the backups. Personally, I can’t see that happening. A veteran coach like Mike McCarthy knows the value of an experienced backup QB which favors Rudolph. With it unlikely that the Steelers would keep four QBs on the active roster, the likely short straw would go to Howard. As a sixth round pick, he would probably head to the Practice Squad where the Steelers would roll the dice on whether another team picked him up or not.
If you’re thinking “but Howard has been here longer than Allar” then please remember that doesn’t mean anything. The position in which these guys were drafted carries much more significance. In other words, there’s no way Omar Khan and company would cut Drew Allar – a third round selection – or even try to stash him on the Practice Squad. Rudy of course, because he makes more money, could be a cap casualty if either Allar and/or Howard show enough promise to warrant being Rodgers’ backup. I feel that scenario is unlikely based simply on experience.
If Rodgers Retires
Should Rodgers decide it just isn’t worth it and he rides off into the sunset, that would leave Rudy, Howard and Allar. Seems simple right? Your QB room costs very little and your two young guys get to learn from the somewhat experienced Rudolph. It isn’t so simple however. I cannot see a scenario in which McCarthy goes into the season with Rudy and two backups who are both essentially rookies. I say that because Howard’s injury cost him a ton of time in his rookie campaign. He didn’t even get any preseason snaps or late season mop up duty either.
That means the Steelers would entertain veteran QBs still on the free agent market. Cooper Rush, Tyrod Taylor and Taylor Heinicke are among a bevy of guys still available. There isn’t a single one of them that brings with him a lot in the way of confidence but most backups lack that anyway in this day and age of pro football.
Regardless of what combination ultimately is in place in September, none of us should be getting our Super Bowl plans ready. That’s not to say these guys might not be preparing for a better and more successful future but whether it’s Rodgers or someone else, we cannot expect too much.
