Pittsburgh Steelers players strongly prefer this starting quarterback in 2024 amid internal divide
The quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 is uncertain as Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph are anticipated to compete this season despite NFL rumours linking the team to other options. But it seems like the choice would already be made if it were up to the Steelers players.
It’s clear after a few days of the 2024 NFL offseason that the Steelers are split on their quarterback strategy. According to recent reports, head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly infatuated with Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who has been widely linked to trade rumours this winter in the NFL.
Acquiring a player of that calibre, though, seems improbable since the Bears front management is averse to losing out on a quarterback who would challenge for the starting job right away. Although Ryan Tannehill is still available in the NFL free agency pool, players and front office staff of the Steelers seem to disagree on who should start as quarterback in 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room is “clamouring” for veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph to start over Pickett for Pittsburgh in 2024, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“His teammates like him, several have politicked for him, and another indicated there is enough of a question as to who should be the starter that the coaching staff needs to figure it out in a hurry.”
Pittsburgh Steelers QB comparison
| QB Rating | Completion Rate | YPA | TD% -INT% | QBR | |
| Kenny Pickett | 81.4 | 62% | 6.4 | 1.9% – 1.2% | 38.1 |
| Mason Rudolph | 118.0 | 74.3% | 9.7 | 4.1% – 0% | 70.6 |
It’s thought that the front office in Pittsburgh would much rather have Pickett start the next season. As we enter the offseason, the former first-round selection is still the favourite. According to Dulac, the expectation around the NFL is that Pickett will start in Week 1.
The fact that there is still such disagreement about what to do at quarterback is concerning for such a venerable team that was once among the greatest NFL dynasties in history. It looks that the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2024 will probably be either Pickett, Rudolph, or maybe Tannehill in a reunion with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith because a high-end starter seems to be off the table this offseason.
