Ben Roethlisberger’s status with the Steelers is currently in limbo, with Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert trying to figure out whether or not he can form a team that is good enough to justify paying to keep Roethlisberger at the center for an 18th season. .
If he determines that this cannot be done, Colbert and the Steelers with no salary cap will likely decide to move in the other direction in the quarterback. This would open the door for Mason Rudolph to take up the initial position. Behind him would be Dwayne Haskins, a former first-round pick who signed a one-year contract with Steelers last month.
“We have Mason Rudolph, and Mason did a very good job in that game he played and started against Cleveland in [regular-season] final, “Colbert told Missi Matthews of Steelers.com earlier this week.” It was a short while to give us a victory, but it gave us a chance, and that was very important for him. It was important for us to see that. ”
Colbert also mentioned Haskins, a six-foot six-foot quarterback who drew comparisons to Roethlisberger during his time in Ohio.
“We are looking forward to seeing what Dwayne can do with us,” said Colbert. “It didn’t work for him in Washington. We had high marks in Dwayne from Ohio. He was chosen much higher than we were able to make that decision … He’s a talented young quarterback that we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do when he gets here and starts working with us. ”
The 15th overall choice in the 2019 draft, Haskins was released by Washington after a below-average performance in the football team’s defeat in week 16 to the Panthers. Haskins’ highly publicized violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols also contributed to his release. After being released, Haskins described what he called “the worst week of his life” during an interview with Darren Haynes of WUSA9.
“You have to be responsible for the decisions you make in life and be able to move on and make the best decisions,” said Haskins. “I have no doubt that I can overcome this, grow and become a better person, a better athlete, a better defender and a better leader because of that. This is something that I am praying and working to show. I hope a new scenario change will help with that. “
In two seasons in Washington, Haskins was only 3-10 as a starter. He completed 60.1% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 2020, the ex-first-round winner won just one of his six games, throwing more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five). And while Haskins and his teammate Kyle Allen were combined 2-8 as full-time Washington defenders, veteran Alex Smith – the player of the year with a comeback in 2020 – was 5-1 under center while leading the football team to the title of the eastern division of the NFC.
Although some of Haskins’ fights were made by him, the fact that he played for three coaches and two different coordinators probably contributed to his lack of success. Haskins also had to play behind an offensive line that allowed Washington defenders 50 sacks in each of the past two seasons.
Haskins had some brilliant moments during his stay in Washington. In his sixth start of his career, Haskins shot for 261 yards and two touchdowns (completing almost 68% of his passes) in Washington’s 37-27 loss to Philadelphia. In week 4 of the 2020 season, Haskins shot 314 yards while completing 71% of his shots in Washington’s 31-17 defeat by the Ravens.
While the Steelers are likely to increase their quarterback room during the off-season, it is clear that Haskins and Rudolph will enter the training camp as the Steelers’ two best quarterbacks if Roethlisberger is no longer part of the equation.