Pittsburgh Steelers: Diontae Johnson backs one quarterback to replace Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an important task ahead of them this offseason. They must replace longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger is expected to retire, meaning that the Steelers will have to look elsewhere for a new starting quarterback.

Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson knows that transitioning to a new quarterback will be a process. Whoever that quarterback is, Johnson wants to build a strong connection with him. But Johnson has one leader in mind, and that is Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.

“I see a lot. Mason is a great player, great quarterback,” Johnson said, via Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper. “He’s smart. Playing with him my rookie year, he’s shown he can win us games. In those tough moments, too, he can make plays. He’s relaxed. And at times on the sideline this year, he was always on it, telling us what to look for, what coverages they mostly were in. Just throwing out plays we could use to beat certain coverages and whatnot. So, he’s a great player. I’m sure he’s going to work his tail off to compete for the starting job. I’m pulling for him.”

Rudolph was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He saw the most action of his career in 2019, attempting 283 passes and throwing for 1,765 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In his three-year NFL career, Rudolph has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,366 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Dwayne Haskins, a former Ohio State star, could contend for the Steelers’ quarterback job next season as well. Haskins was selected 15th overall by Washington in 2019, and he spent this season as Pittsburgh’s third string quarterback.

The Steelers could also look to the draft for a new quarterback

As of now, the expectation is that Rudolph and Haskins will be battling for the Steelers’ starting quarterback job next season. But that might not stop the team from selecting a quarterback in the NFL Draft. The Steelers have reported interest in Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett, one of the two top quarterbacks available, as well.

“The team is also likely to add a quarterback in the draft. Though it’s not a talent-rich year at the position, there will be options,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said. “Kenny Pickett, who opted out of the Peach Bowl to prepare for the draft, is one to watch.

“Of course, the Steelers will do a thorough evaluation of the position. But they share a facility with Pitt and have had an easy time doing homework on the 6-foot-3, 220-pound all-time leading passer in Pitt history. Given where they draft and where Pickett may end up, the interest is there.”

The Steelers officially have the 20th overall pick in the draft.