Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' Mason Rudolph won't have to go far to be a starting QB in 2024

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated 2/19/24

It’s becoming increasingly likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers starting QB in 2024 will be either Mason Rudolph or Kenny Pickett.

But even that decision comes with it's own ramifications as Rudolph is slateed to hit free agency.

On top of that, however, comes a discourse on Rudolph vs. Pickett within the organization per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Pickett vs. Rudolph, 2024

Yes, they [Pittsburgh Steelers] will go into the 2024 season with the idea Kenny Pickett, who has compiled a 14-10 record as a starter, will be the No. 1 quarterback. But they will not go in with the same hope they had this time last season when they were encouraged by the way their rookie quarterback finished the 2022 season.

In fact, there appears to be some internal division that maybe Mason Rudolph should be the starter after the way he finished the 2023 season, winning the final three regular season games to gain entry to the playoffs.

There is only one problem, though: Rudolph is an unrestricted free agent who may or may not return, depending on how swiftly the Steelers make him an offer. And for how much?

-Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post Gazette

It makes sense that there are people on both sides of the isle when it comes to the QB in Pittsburgh.

A look at the stat sheet would tell you that Rudolph has his supporters:

Via Pro Football Reference

But Rudolph's win-loss record, yards per attempt and QB rating only tell part of the story as Pickett played with Matt Canada as the OC for the whole season before having arguably his best game as a pro in his first game after Canada was relieved from his duties.

Pickett would then be inured the week after, and cease to start for the rest of the year.

So Pickett likely has a backing that believes he has yet to receive a fair shot, while others inside the building believe that Rudolph's ability to lead the team to the playoffs after losing three in a row has earned him the opportunity to start a whole season.

Either way, it's going to be interesting to see which way Pittsburgh goes.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: