Three cut candidates were on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster going into the 2024 offseason.
In 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the most peculiar seasons in recent memory. With a 10-7 record, head coach Mike Tomlin’s team qualified for the playoffs, although the Steelers struggled mightily due to an offense that was ineffective for much of the season.
Under starter quarterback Kenny Pickett, their offense frequently underperformed for three quarters over the first twelve weeks of the season before improving sufficiently in the fourth quarter to win most of their games.
QB performance was lacking in the 2023 campaign.
In Week 12, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 16-10, giving them a 7-4 record. In that game, the Steelers’ offense put up one of their rare steady performances. Pickett completed 24 of 33 throws for 278 yards, and the winning team had a 37:17 time of possession to the Bengals’ 22:43.
But, Pickett’s injury forced quarterback Mitch Trubisky to go in, just as it appeared like the Steelers could be turning the turnaround.
QB play in the 2023 campaign was subpar.
The Steelers defeated the Bengals 16-10 in Week 12, improving their record to 7-4. The Steelers offense delivered one of their infrequently reliable efforts in the game. With 24 of his 33 passes for 278 yards, Pickett led the winning team in time of possession with 37:17 compared to the Bengals’ 22:43.
However, just when it seemed like the Steelers would be making a comeback, Pickett’s injury forced quarterback Mitch Trubisky to enter the game.
The club took a liking to Mason Rudolph’s leadership after the ineffectual Trubisky was benched as the starting quarterback.
It appears likely that Pickett will start the 2025 season with the inside track, but Rudolph will get an opportunity to prove himself and might take over as the starter if he performs better than Pickett.
The NFL Draft or free agency are other options for the Steelers to select their starting quarterback in the future. If the injured quarterback chooses not to resign with the Vikings, the Steelers are reportedly interested in acquiring Kirk Cousins.
