Steelers insider has bad news on potential Ben Roethlisberger replacement

The Steelers need a replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, but per one team insider, that replacement may already be on the team.

Mason Rudolph was originally drafted as a long-term project, thought to eventually one day take over for Roethlisberger as he entered his late-30’s. Well, Roethlisberger has played longer than expected, while Rudolph hasn’t made the necessary transition an easy one.

The Oklahoma State product is a fine backup, but as a starter he has a limited ceiling. He’d be a short-term replacement at best, and a starting quarterback for a team not trying to make the postseason. That’s not the norm in Pittsburgh.

Steelers may go with Mason Rudolph as Big Ben replacement

Per Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, Steelers fans should get used to the idea of Rudolph as a starting quarterback.

Best…option? With Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson potentially available, that’s not only not true, but uninspiring to say the least.

The Steelers aren’t one to trade their first-round pick unless if it’s for a Pro Bowl talent. Acquiring one of Wilson or Rodgers would cost multiple firsts and more.

Now, the draft is unlikely to change that, as Kaboly states. Kenny Pickett and Co. are questionable prospects in a less-than-ideal quarterback class, and we’ve known this all year. It’s why Pickett returned to school in the first place, with the hope of moving up in a worse quarterback class than last year.

Starting Rudolph is a predictable fate after 18 years of stable quarterback play. Ben Roethlisberger was a blessing — at least in terms of on-field performance — for almost two decades. Finding another option will not be easy, and Mike Tomlin isn’t one to rebuild.