Steelers Next QB Odds: Will Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson Make the Jump?

Steelers Next QB Odds: Will Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson Make the Jump?

Ben Roethlisberger is the lone quarterback remaining from that famous 2004 draft class. First, it was Eli Manning who called it a career after the 2019 season, then it was Phillip Rivers who retired after 2020, and now it appears that it’s Ben Roethlisberger’s time as well.

It was reported last week that this will more than likely be his final season in Pittsburgh. Unless something unforeseen happens, that also means that it will likely be Roethlisberger’s final year in the NFL too.

There are already odds on who the next Pittsburgh quarterback will be in 2022. Let’s take a look at the list and talk about the intriguing and not so intriguing options.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 QB Odds

Dwayne Haskins (+185)

Haskins is an interesting case. He was drafted by Washington 15th overall in the 2019 draft class out of Ohio State and had some promise. His time in Washington was short-lived though as he only started 13 games over two seasons throwing 12 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and averaging 175.3 yards per game passing. He was cut in 2020 due to breaking COVID protocol after being benched earlier in the season for work ethic. Yes, Pittsburgh brought him in as a project, and perhaps he does get that chance but for a team with as good of a roster around it, handing the keys over to Haskins would be a disservice.

Mason Rudolph (+250)

Drafted in the third round in 2018, Mason Rudolph has served as Roethlisberger’s backup ever since. He ended up starting eight games in 2019, going 5-3, but had just 13 touchdowns to nine interceptions. At this point, it’s probably a safe assumption that Rudolph isn’t going to be anything more than just a backup at this level. Sure, just like Haskins he’s currently on the roster, but with the state of the roster outside of QB it would be a shame to just give the job to a project.

Aaron Rodgers (+750)

Now, this is a fun one. It’s been well documented that Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers don’t exactly see eye to eye. After drafting Jordan Love in the first round in 2020, signs are pointing to the Packers wishing to move on from Rodgers. Still, even at age 38, Aaron Rodgers is playing at an elite level. Maybe he takes a book out of Peyton Manning’s book and play his final couple of years on a team that is looking to compete but needs a quarterback. Man, Rodgers with Najee Harris, Chase Claypool, Deontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth would be a fun offense. If Rodgers is serious about leaving the Packers, the Steelers should go all-in for him.

Russell Wilson (+750)

The same goes for Russell Wilson, if he is serious about leaving Seattle, which he may be as they’re well on their way to a losing season and might be trying to rebuild after 2021, then the Steelers should be all over this one too. Especially when you consider the lack of draft assets the Seahawks have, would they take a package of first-rounders and maybe Dwayne Haskins or Mason Rudolph for short-term insurance while they figure out the position and start the rebuild? Wilson, unlike Rodgers, is just 33 years old. While A-Rod might only have a handful of seasons left, Wilson could likely go for at a minimum of five more high-level years.

The Rookies (Carson Strong. Matt Corral, Malik Willis, Sam Howell)

If the NFL draft was happening today, Pittsburgh would hold the 18th overall pick. Matt Corral will definitely be gone by 18 and you could maybe make the case for Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett (who isn’t included on this list) as well will already be gone. Sam Howell’s stock has fallen immensely so I wouldn’t imagine him going in the first round so that’s likely out too. In order for a rookie to be starting, Pittsburgh would have to put together a package in order to get into the top five. Perhaps a team like the Jets or Eagles who have multiple first-rounders ahead of them would be keen on moving back.