3 quarterbacks Steelers could sign who are better than Mason Rudolph
By John Buhler
The Pittsburgh Steelers may need an upgrade over Mason Rudolph at backup quarterback.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers can be one of the better teams in the AFC next year, they have to wonder if they have seen the best out of backup quarterback Mason Rudolph already.
Though it was a meaningless preseason game in Canton, Ohio on Thursday night, Rudolph did not impress on a big stage for him. Frankly, many people watching the game thought Dwayne Haskins and even Joshua Dobbs outperformed him vs. the Dallas Cowboys. With Ben Roethlisberger in the twilight of his illustrious NFL career, the backup quarterback position is paramount in Pittsburgh.
Even if it is slim pickings at this point, here are three free-agent quarterbacks to be considered.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 free agent QBs who are better than Mason Rudolph
Pick Analysis. QB. Houston Texans. player. 10. Scouting Report. Ryan Finley. 3
Ryan Finley has played most recently with the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals
While this potential signing would not move the needle, former Cincinnati Bengals fourth-round pick Ryan Finley is a free agent. He started a handful of games as a rookie out of North Carolina State once Andy Dalton succumbed to injury. Finley backed up Joe Burrow last year, and actually won a game for the Bengals. Unfortunately, it did not work out for him with the Houston Texans.
Finley was traded by the Bengals along with a seventh-round pick to the Texans for a sixth-round pick back in March. He only lasted two months with the Texans, as he was released by the team at the end of May. In terms of starting ability, Finley could be used in an emergency, but signing him would be a cheap option, as well as more of a developmental project for a team like the Steelers.
Given that he played for Zac Taylor the last two years, his addition to the Steelers could be a boost in the classroom. Again, signing him would be all about ensuring the Steelers do not drop a game to the rival Bengals this year. If they do that, then they may not have what it takes to make the playoffs this season. Finley is not good enough to start, but is good enough to be on an NFL roster.
Signing him would be all about getting a leg up on a division rival they have to defeat to contend.