Back Up QB

[Steelerchad]

I miss the days of a solid veteran backing up our starter. I always thought Leftwich or Batch gave us a realistic chance to win and wouldn't lose us the game. There seems to be a bunch of these journeymen vets out there, but we opted for youth at both 2nd and 3rd string QB. Would like the Steelers to go ex starter vet at backup and rookie or first contract guy as the 3rd string. If the 3rd string guy hasn't developed to overtake at least your backup by the last year of your contract you start over.

[DesertSteel]

That’s the downside to drafting a couple mid-round QBs. You have to develop them and keep them on the roster hoping to get lucky. When you don’t get lucky things can get real ugly.

[Neversatisfied]

Nfl.com hit the nail on the head.

The Steelers are paying for the sins of their past. For years, the team has failed to identify and develop a secondary option behind Ben Roethlisberger at the game's most important position. It's come back to haunt them in 2019, a season that has featured one of the best defenses in recent team history but also sub-standard QB play that's consistently held Mike Tomlin's team back. On Sunday, Devlin "Duck" Hodges threw two first-half interceptions and was benched, leading to a return engagement from Mason Rudolph, benched himself last month due to his own ineffective play. And since this has developed into a Murphy's Law type of situation under center in Pittsburgh, Rudolph exited Sunday's game with a season-ending shoulder injury, leading to another dose of Duck. All of this helps explain a 16-10 Steelers loss in the Meadowlands that puts a serious dent in the team's playoff hopes.

[DesertSteel]

Nfl.com hit the nail on the head.

The Steelers are paying for the sins of their past. For years, the team has failed to identify and develop a secondary option behind Ben Roethlisberger at the game's most important position. It's come back to haunt them in 2019, a season that has featured one of the best defenses in recent team history but also sub-standard QB play that's consistently held Mike Tomlin's team back. On Sunday, Devlin "Duck" Hodges threw two first-half interceptions and was benched, leading to a return engagement from Mason Rudolph, benched himself last month due to his own ineffective play. And since this has developed into a Murphy's Law type of situation under center in Pittsburgh, Rudolph exited Sunday's game with a season-ending shoulder injury, leading to another dose of Duck. All of this helps explain a 16-10 Steelers loss in the Meadowlands that puts a serious dent in the team's playoff hopes.
That’s BS. No team does what they’re describing. Teams with good backups signed them on the open market.

[Neversatisfied]

That’s BS. No team does what they’re describing. Teams with good backups signed them on the open market.

The Eagles and Ravens are perfect examples of what you call "BS" , Having capable starting QBs and then drafting eventual replacements.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

That’s BS. No team does what they’re describing. Teams with good backups signed them on the open market.
Exactly. Even the references to Leftwich (former 1st round pick and starter at the Jags) and Batch(former Detroit starter) show what happens when you pay for veterans with starting experience, but IMO the Steelers had too many stars to pay in Ben, Brown, Bell, Pouncey, DeCastro, Cam …..that they had to economize on the backup QB if possible.

[pczach]

The Eagles and Ravens are perfect examples of what you call "BS" , Having capable starting QBs and then drafting eventual replacements.

Because they had quarterbacks on cheap rookie contracts. It doesn't work as well when your starting QB is making $25 million per.

If you spend that much on 2 quarterbacks, there's not much money left for the rest of the roster.

It also sets you up for a quarterback controversy. With our fickle fans ready to bench Big Ben when he has a bad game, I can only imagine the shit show from much of this fanbase.

It also doesn't help much when both quarterbacks get hurt, does it?

[Steeler-in-west]

Exactly. Even the references to Leftwich (former 1st round pick and starter at the Jags) and Batch(former Detroit starter) show what happens when you pay for veterans with starting experience, but IMO the Steelers had too many stars to pay in Ben, Brown, Bell, Pouncey, DeCastro, Cam …..that they had to economize on the backup QB if possible.

Bell and Brown were not on the roster this year, so i don't get what was holding them back in acquiring a backup with experience. Your also, paying guys like Chickillo and Matakevich salary that could've gone to a more experienced backup.

I think they were being cheap and thought they could get away with a game or two from Rudolph if need be. A gamble that blew up on them. With the way this defense is playing, we are about 10-5 right now going into Baltimore. Like i said earlier, i think they go after a vet backup this offseason and say pair him with Rudolph to backup Ben.

[DesertSteel]

The Eagles and Ravens are perfect examples of what you call "BS" , Having capable starting QBs and then drafting eventual replacements.
Those are replacements not backups. Can you get your story straight?

[Edman]

The Steelers drafted Josh Dobbs and Rudolph after Landry Jones left, but also didn’t bring in a QB coach or viable OC. Fichtner is not an NFL OC and is just a figurehead for Ben’s final seasons.

Outside of that, there was nothing more the Steelers could’ve honestly done after Ben got hurt. No one expected him to be done for the year.

[Neversatisfied]

Those are replacements not backups. Can you get your story straight?
My story as you call it pertains to all other QBs on the roster behind the starter. Ben has had a long, injury filled career which should have prompted the Steelers to have a more competent player behind Ben.

[DesertSteel]

My story as you call it pertains to all other QBs on the roster behind the starter. Ben has had a long, injury filled career which should have prompted the Steelers to have a more competent player behind Ben.
I called the hot take by NFL.com BS, and it is. And let's not exaggerate about Ben's injury history. Others have had way worse luck. They obviously tried to address it with Mason Rudolph. That would be the DEVELOPMENT route - which is what the NFL story was about. Where they failed this year was not securing a veteran backup, which the story was NOT about. Thus it really was just national media hot take BS. How did it work out for the genius in NE when he drafted Brady's replacement?

[86WARD]

That’s BS. No team does what they’re describing. Teams with good backups signed them on the open market.

Seems like the Patriots do...Cassell, Garrapolo, Brissett. Andy Reid does it, McNabb, Detmer, Feely, etc. There are quite a few teams that do it and do it well.

[86WARD]

Because they had quarterbacks on cheap rookie contracts. It doesn't work as well when your starting QB is making $25 million per.

If you spend that much on 2 quarterbacks, there's not much money left for the rest of the roster.

It also sets you up for a quarterback controversy. With our fickle fans ready to bench Big Ben when he has a bad game, I can only imagine the shit show from much of this fanbase.

It also doesn't help much when both quarterbacks get hurt, does it?

Patriots and Eagles apply here as well. Brady and McNabb were not cheap...

[86WARD]

The Steelers drafted Josh Dobbs and Rudolph after Landry Jones left, but also didn’t bring in a QB coach or viable OC. Fichtner is not an NFL OC and is just a figurehead for Ben’s final seasons.

Outside of that, there was nothing more the Steelers could’ve honestly done after Ben got hurt. No one expected him to be done for the year.

I think THIS POST is the key here. If they had a competent QB Coach, or any for that matter, both Dobbs and Rudolph May have developed a bit more, maybe a bit more polished and your sitting with a nice broad ranges QB room. We’ve seen that both Dobbs and Rudolph have some skills and some talent flashes out every now and again. To keep up with the pop-culture at the moment, they don’t have the proper Jedi Master to help them harness those talents...

[teegre]

Seems like the Patriots do...Cassell, Garrapolo, Brissett. Andy Reid does it, McNabb, Detmer, Feely, etc. There are quite a few teams that do it and do it well.

IMO, that’s what DesertSteel is saying. The Taperiots draft a project, he develops, and leaves. Some turn out like Garrapolo, and others end up like Mallett. Currently, they have the kid/rookie from Auburn and Cody Kessler. It’s not like they have a “veteran”.

[DesertSteel]

Seems like the Patriots do...Cassell, Garrapolo, Brissett.
That's the draft a QB, develop and trade him plan, which still leaves you at square one on a successor.



Andy Reid does it, McNabb, Detmer, Feely, etc. There are quite a few teams that do it and do it well.
McNabb was drafted to be the starter. Those other guys are so far removed I don't recall their particulars. They both were backup QBs.

[NCSteeler]

That’s the downside to drafting a couple mid-round QBs. You have to develop them and keep them on the roster hoping to get lucky. When you don’t get lucky things can get real ugly.Can't develop a QB without a QB coach. This team has under valued an important staff position because we have Ben. But if they ever want another QB after Ben they better start thinking about how you teach and trains young QB

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[86WARD]

That's the draft a QB, develop and trade him plan, which still leaves you at square one on a successor.


McNabb was drafted to be the starter. Those other guys are so far removed I don't recall their particulars. They both were backup QBs.

Detmer was a starter in Philadelphia. Feelybstarted and then they traded him to Miami for a second rounder.

New England develops these guys, keeps them around and then gets rid of them before they get no value in return. But if at anytime, Bradybwere to leave, they had those guys in place.

With the exception of Green Bay, has any team ever had a successor on the roster being “groomed” for an extended period of time? Steve Young maybe?

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Detmer was a starter in Philadelphia. Feelybstarted and then they traded him to Miami for a second rounder.

New England develops these guys, keeps them around and then gets rid of them before they get no value in return. But if at anytime, Bradybwere to leave, they had those guys in place.

With the exception of Green Bay, has any team ever had a successor on the roster being “groomed” for an extended period of time? Steve Young maybe? Not many! I do think the Steelers was planning to groom Ben for a year until Maddox got hurt. If you want to go back many years, guess you could argue Danny White for Staubach.

[GoSlash27]

Umm... There is no reason to think that Mason Rudolph won't make a good backup, or even a next starter. He was gun-shy and overthinking things in his first stint, but he wasn't like that in this last game. He learned and improved, and I don't think we've seen his ceiling yet..

[teegre]

New England develops these guys, keeps them around and then gets rid of them before they get no value in return. But if at anytime, Bradybwere to leave, they had those guys in place.

That’s sort of my point (above). What the Taperiots have done is no different than what the Steelers are doing with Rudolph... (and, right now, I’d take Rudolph over Jarrett Stidham).

[DesertSteel]

Detmer was a starter in Philadelphia. Feelybstarted and then they traded him to Miami for a second rounder.

New England develops these guys, keeps them around and then gets rid of them before they get no value in return. But if at anytime, Bradybwere to leave, they had those guys in place.

With the exception of Green Bay, has any team ever had a successor on the roster being “groomed” for an extended period of time? Steve Young maybe?
I realize they started but they were backups.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Bell and Brown were not on the roster this year, so i don't get what was holding them back in acquiring a backup with experience.


Steelers are $438,292 under the cap. You can read the link here and get what was holding them back. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/cap/

[DesertSteel]

Steelers are $438,292 under the cap. You can read the link here and get what was holding them back. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/cap/
Signing Moncrief was a priority <touché>

[86WARD]

I realize they started but they were backups.

Right and then became starters. I believe Detmer was a backup to Favre and then became a starter in Philly until McNabb was ready. Freely stepped in for McNabb and then became a starter in Miami.

[86WARD]

Signing Moncrief was a priority <touché>

Ouch...

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Signing Moncrief was a priority <touché>

I seem to recall a lot on this board loving the signing and touting that if he had a 48 reception season from Blake Bortles, he could have 60+ from Ben. Wasn't my viewpoint, but whatever.

Hindsight bruh.

[teegre]

Just so that we are clear...

It wasn’t the Moncrief signing that hamstrung the Steelers’ ability to sign a bigger free agent, it was having to pay AB $21 million (in dead money) that basically killed any chance of landing a top tier veteran... at any position.

[Steeler-in-west]

Umm... There is no reason to think that Mason Rudolph won't make a good backup, or even a next starter. He was gun-shy and overthinking things in his first stint, but he wasn't like that in this last game. He learned and improved, and I don't think we've seen his ceiling yet..

probably true, he’ll likely perform better next year for a game or two, hopefully not more, if Ben has to sit out a game here or there next season. But because he was ‘overthinking’ this year means it could happen again in only his second active season. Still think the team brings a little more experience to the backup position just in case.

[NCSteeler]

probably true, he’ll likely perform better next year for a game or two, hopefully not more, if Ben has to sit out a game here or there next season. But because he was ‘overthinking’ this year means it could happen again in only his second active season. Still think the team brings a little more experience to the backup position just in case.Hopefully they bring in a real QB coach

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[GoSlash27]

probably true, he’ll likely perform better next year for a game or two, hopefully not more, if Ben has to sit out a game here or there next season. But because he was ‘overthinking’ this year means it could happen again in only his second active season. Still think the team brings a little more experience to the backup position just in case.

In case you've forgotten, Ben has had quite a few bad games over the last decade himself. If you're expecting a perfect QB as a backup, I suspect you're aiming a bit too high. Any QB needs real reps in real games to develop. Rudolph has developed this year, so let's see if he's developed enough to handle the job.

[DesertSteel]

I seem to recall a lot on this board loving the signing and touting that if he had a 48 reception season from Blake Bortles, he could have 60+ from Ben. Wasn't my viewpoint, but whatever.

Hindsight bruh.
True enough!

[Steeler-in-west]

In case you've forgotten, Ben has had quite a few bad games over the last decade himself. If you're expecting a perfect QB as a backup, I suspect you're aiming a bit too high. Any QB needs real reps in real games to develop. Rudolph has developed this year, so let's see if he's developed enough to handle the job.

Not expecting perfection, just expecting the backup “not to kill us”, 4 - int game or 2 - int’s per half is killing the team, specially when your not balancing it with Td’s, Ben at least did that.

yeah, Ben would have a bad game here and there but he would always bounce back, he’s an elite franchise QB. Can’t compare Ben to backup QB’s

[GoSlash27]

Can’t compare Ben to backup QB’s

I agree with that point. So who *can* we compare to backup QB's? 'Cuz I think a lot of Steeler fans have lost their frame of reference. Rudolph was 14 for 20 in his last outing with 1 TD and 0 INT for a rating of 104. Is that good enough to be a backup? If not, what is?
How the Hell do we expect backups to never regress when even first round HOFers have bad days?

[Steeler-in-west]

I agree with that point. So who *can* we compare to backup QB's? 'Cuz I think a lot of Steeler fans have lost their frame of reference. Rudolph was 14 for 20 in his last outing with 1 TD and 0 INT for a rating of 104. Is that good enough to be a backup?

batch, Leftwich, even Grad when healthy. Can even make a case for Landry Jones, I remember a regular season game against New England in 2016 that Jones started and we ended up losing by 10 I think. Jones was 1 TD versus 1 int with a 77 rtg, and 260 passing yards, that’s all you can ask of your backup against a top team. If we had this year’s defense playing in that game we probably have an even better shot at winning. We’d get crushed with Rudy or Duck in that game

I agree with the notion that maybe our QB’s suffered from not having a QB coach, maybe things would be much different and we wouldn’t be complaining about not having a vet backup

as far as Rudy’s last outing, that was a little too late, the guy was atrocious in his previous couple games - that’s why Tomlin benched him.

[NCSteeler]

batch, Leftwich, even Grad when healthy. Can even make a case for Landry Jones, I remember a regular season game against New England in 2016 that Jones started and we ended up losing by 10 I think. If we had this years defense for that game, it would have been very interesting

I agree with the notion that maybe our QB’s suffered from not having a QB coach, maybe things would be much different and we wouldn’t be complaining about not having a vet backupI was at that game. We were not that far from a win. It was one big play away. I feel like even with this defense a Hodges led team is no where near ten points. Idk. This defense is pretty damn good

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[GoSlash27]

as far as Rudy’s last outing, that was a little too late, the guy was atrocious in his previous couple games - that’s why Tomlin benched him.
Yeah, and he had very specific problems that made him atrocious. Those problems have been fixed, which is why he wasn't atrocious this last game. If 77 is good enough for a backup, then so is 104.

[86WARD]

I seem to recall a lot on this board loving the signing and touting that if he had a 48 reception season from Blake Bortles, he could have 60+ from Ben. Wasn't my viewpoint, but whatever.

Hindsight bruh.

I was one in that camp. The one season he had a competent QB he had his best season...the guy had trash for QBs otherwise...lol. Didn’t work out. Neither did Lima’s Sweed and I’d still make that draft pick for that college talent at that point in the draft today...lol

[teegre]

Neither did Lima’s Sweed and I’d still make that draft pick for that college talent at that point in the draft today...lol

:nod: Yep

As I’ve often stated, if they redrafted the 2008 draft today, I’d still take Lima’s Sweed. That is how much I liked that pick.

[pczach]

I seem to recall a lot on this board loving the signing and touting that if he had a 48 reception season from Blake Bortles, he could have 60+ from Ben. Wasn't my viewpoint, but whatever.

Hindsight bruh.

I thought it was a good signing at the time.

Not my best call!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I thought it was a good signing at the time.

Not my best call! Yeah, veteran insurance of a WR at the time and not an outrageous contract. At the time I thought he would be the #4 WR and the draft hadn't happened yet. Didn't expect much from a guy that has reputation of being soft. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane is rarely a good combo.

As Teeg said, his contract isn't the drain on the salary cap that prohibited spending on a veteran backup. I posted a link to Steelers cap situation so that posters here could read it and figure out that a lot of that cap space was taken up.

[pczach]

Yeah, veteran insurance of a WR at the time and not an outrageous contract. At the time I thought he would be the #4 WR and the draft hadn't happened yet. Didn't expect much from a guy that has reputation of being soft. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane is rarely a good combo.

As Teeg said, his contract isn't the drain on the salary cap that prohibited spending on a veteran backup. I posted a link to Steelers cap situation so that posters here could read it and figure out that a lot of that cap space was taken up.



Yeah, I saw the link. There's good information there. Managing a salary cap, putting together a quality starting unit, and having quality backups at most positions and a premium backup at QB is nearly impossible unless you have a stud QB on rookie contract.

I still like poking fun at myself when I get something horribly wrong like Moncrief. :grin:

[DesertSteel]

Possibly Case Keenum would have been available for a 5th round pick at the trade deadline? And for anybody who says Keenum is not an upgrade on Mason or Duck, you clearly haven't watched Keenum play. That guy was lights out in 2017 and then went into bad situations in Denver and Washington.

And if the Redskins were actually trying to win games, they'd be starting him over the rookie.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Possibly Case Keenum would have been available for a 5th round pick at the trade deadline? And for anybody who says Keenum is not an upgrade on Mason or Duck, you clearly haven't watched Keenum play. That guy was lights out in 2017 and then went into bad situations in Denver and Washington.

And if the Redskins were actually trying to win games, they'd be starting him over the rookie. I like Keenum but don't think the Steelers had a 5th to trade for him.

[DesertSteel]

I like Keenum but don't think the Steelers had a 5th to trade for him.
I think we picked up a 5th for Dobbs didn't we?

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I think we picked up a 5th for Dobbs didn't we? I read somewhere we used that for TE Vanett but could be wrong.

[DesertSteel]

I'd love to see us pick Keenum up in the offseason. No he's not Ben, but he's also not the garbage we've been throwing out there the past couple games.

[Mojouw]

Scour the earth to find the NEXT Keenum, Schuab, or Cassell.

Paying a premium for past lightening in a bottle performance from a 30+ year old career backup QB is not an ideal allocation of cap space.

Honestly, I think the best 2020 backup QB they can sign is already on the roster. I think either Rudolph or Lynch can step into that role with a rigorous off season development.

[steelreserve]

I cannot really blame the Steelers for the backup QB problem this year. We came into the year with what we thought were a developmental possible future starter (Rudolph) and a good-enough emergency backup (Hodges). But the truth is, you don't know what you've got until you see them play in some games. And it turned out we rolled snake eyes. Same thing could have happened with a veteran backup who's slightly past his prime; we've had plenty of those, and they have a way of going off a cliff one year, usually right after we get a hold of them.

There are not that many Fitzpatricks and Keenums out there, good enough to be a stand-in for an extended period of time but not already a full-time starter. Most QBs either win a starting job somewhere or suck even for a backup.

What the reason for that is could be the subject of endless debate, but where it used to be there were a ton of Jeff Hostetler, Chris Chandler mid-level backup type guys everywhere, now there are like 10 guys in the entire league who can throw a football at all, 100 guys in the process of showing they CAN'T throw a football, and 3 or 4 guys who can kind of throw a football but not quite as good as the other 10, and those are your good journeyman backups.

Alex Smith and Andy Dalton would normally be in that category, by the way, but in today's game, teams are so desperate they have them cosplay as starters.

[Shoes]

Scour the earth to find the NEXT Keenum, Schuab, or Cassell.

Paying a premium for past lightening in a bottle performance from a 30+ year old career backup QB is not an ideal allocation of cap space.

Honestly, I think the best 2020 backup QB they can sign is already on the roster. I think either Rudolph or Lynch can step into that role with a rigorous off season development.

Agreed and spend some money on a TE that can do the unusual, block, catch and isn't made of glass.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Scour the earth to find the NEXT Keenum, Schuab, or Cassell.

Paying a premium for past lightening in a bottle performance from a 30+ year old career backup QB is not an ideal allocation of cap space.

Honestly, I think the best 2020 backup QB they can sign is already on the roster. I think either Rudolph or Lynch can step into that role with a rigorous off season development. Yep agree and Lynch was a 1 pick so we know he is good! His resume and work ethic speaks for itself! I agree on Rudy though.

[NCSteeler]

If we could sign Dalton for 3mil. I'd hope they would at least deeply debate it. Dalton on this team with this defense would be rockin right now . Pipe dreams I know .

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[DesertSteel]

If we could sign Dalton for 3mil. I'd hope they would at least deeply debate it. Dalton on this team with this defense would be rockin right now . Pipe dreams I know .

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Dalton likely signs for an 8-12M prove me 1-year deal. I’d go for it if Ben was likely out.

[NCSteeler]

I've been thinking of teams that need Dalton . It's not a big market this year . Lots of young yet given up on QBs. Idk. Let see AFC west chargers dropping rivers? Oak. Dropping Carr so there are two but also opening f two pretty decent backups. Afx east seems set with Brady and a host of young guys.afc north. Out side cinci seems pretty settled at starter. AFC south. Jax maybe but they have so much money invested, hard to tell. NFC north maybe the bears are in the market idk, NFC south nope all locked up. NFC West seems settled no opening . NFC east seems like it is tight. Who needs a QB? You tell me the market is not going to be popping at QB low prices

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[NCSteeler]

Dalton likely signs for an 8-12M prove me 1-year deal. I’d go for it if Ben was likely out.Not to be contrary but with who? Maybe the Bucs if they move on from Winston

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[DesertSteel]

Not to be contrary but with who? Maybe the Bucs if they move on from Winston

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Dolphins, Chargers, Bears, Lions, Steelers, Bucs, Panthers. They all have QB questions, at least for next year.

[NCSteeler]

Dolphins, Chargers, Bears, Lions, Steelers, Bucs, Panthers. They all have QB questions, at least for next year.But they all have a starter in place sort of. Dolphins have Allen or a draft pick or fitz. Chargers nice on and draft a QB which puts a damn fine QB on the market. Bears are staying the line or drafting s replacement. Lions are not leaving Stafford yet. Winston , idk . Newtown is a big question. But it is notike a lot of years where there are many QB hungty teams. I think the price is down this year coming

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[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Ben pretty much screwed the team this year with his new contract and then being out for the season. Same next year if he can't go and Steelers will still have to pay him. I know Ben is not doing this on purpose but leaves little room to get a decent vet starter in FA. Steelers maybe able to sign a vet QB for 5 mill but anything higher is unlikely if Ben is done.Pray that Colbert is still here next year and trust him to figure out something good.

[DesertSteel]

But they all have a starter in place sort of. Dolphins have Allen or a draft pick or fitz. Chargers nice on and draft a QB which puts a damn fine QB on the market. Bears are staying the line or drafting s replacement. Lions are not leaving Stafford yet. Winston , idk . Newtown is a big question. But it is notike a lot of years where there are many QB hungty teams. I think the price is down this year coming

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That's why I said one year. He'd either be a bridge QB or an injury replacement. I definitely think there will be a market for these guys (Fitz, Keenum, Flacco, Bridgewater, Dalton, et al). The glut of lower tier starters/ top backups should make it easy for the Steelers if they're motivated.

[Steeler-in-west]

Whatever they do they better get a good QB coach at least

[Mojouw]

Bears are a serious contender with Dalton.

[DesertSteel]

That's why I said one year. He'd either be a bridge QB or an injury replacement. I definitely think there will be a market for these guys (Fitz, Keenum, Flacco, Bridgewater, Dalton, et al). The glut of lower tier starters/ top backups should make it easy for the Steelers if they're motivated.
I forgot, but you can add Mariotta to that list.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I forgot, but you can add Mariotta to that list. Not a fan of him at all. Let some other team over pay for him.

[GoSlash27]

Scour the earth to find the NEXT Keenum, Schuab, or Cassell.

I checked out the guy wrangling shopping carts at Hy- Vee. Nice guy, but he can't throw for crap. :pout:

[j-d-s]

I forgot, but you can add Mariotta to that list.
I'd love Mariota as backup QB. He's probably the best backup QB to be available, assuming guys like Dalton, Carr and Newton will only sign teams that allow them to compete for the starting job, Bridgewater would be the same except maybe he does stay with the Saints as backup.

Eli Manning might be available as backup QB, but that's doubtful at this point and even more how much he would be able to do. Nick Foles, I believe, still has a contract with the Jags but certainly has proven to be a capable backup QB.

Mariota would be like Blake Bortles and Tyrod Taylor, who currently are backups. Players who started for several years but weren't good enough to keep the job. But if the starter goes down I'd certainly prefer them over what we currently have...

[86WARD]

If we could sign Dalton for 3mil. I'd hope they would at least deeply debate it. Dalton on this team with this defense would be rockin right now . Pipe dreams I know .

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You can’t get a good back up QB for that money...Chase Daniels is getting more than $3M. You want Dalton, you are going to have to pay probably $6-8M as a back up. You may get a Tannehill type around that price or maybe a Nick Foles for $3-$5M...but you won’t get Dalton for $3M. You need a “washed” up Mariota/Tannehill type if you are looking to pay that money and then hope he catches fire (again, like Tannehill). But then he could wind up worse than Mason...lol.

[Craic]

You can’t get a good back up QB for that money...Chase Daniels is getting more than $3M. You want Dalton, you are going to have to pay probably $6-8M as a back up. You may get a Tannehill type around that price or maybe a Nick Foles for $3-$5M...but you won’t get Dalton for $3M. You need a “washed” up Mariota/Tannehill type if you are looking to pay that money and then hope he catches fire (again, like Tannehill). But then he could wind up worse than Mason...lol.

Not likely. I'd take Duck's three games before his benching over Mason's three game before his benching any day, and I think Duck is on his way out. The only thing Mason has going for him is those few minutes in the Jets game. A washed up Tannehill or Mariota would still have us in the playoffs this year.

[Fire Goodell]

I want Fitzy, you're always in it with Fitzy

[Mojouw]

Here is the problem with a "veteran back-up QB" - they cost a great deal of money (bold and italics is the average yearly cap hit):




Teddy Bridgewater (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/14441/) (2019-2019)
QB
NO
28
1
$7,250,000
$7,250,000

$7,250,000
$7,250,000
100.00%
2020


Ryan Fitzpatrick (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/1336/) (2019-2020)
QB
MIA
37
2
$11,000,000
$5,500,000
$7,000,000
$7,000,000
63.64%
2021


Tyrod Taylor (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/7899/) (2019-2020)
QB
LAC
30
2
$11,000,000
$5,500,000
$6,000,000
$6,000,000
54.55%
2021


Chase Daniel (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/7081/) (2018-2019)
QB
CHI
33
2
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$7,000,000
$7,000,000
70.00%
2020


Brian Hoyer (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/7035/) (2019-2021)
QB
IND
34
3
$12,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$9,000,000
75.00%
2022


Case Keenum (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/10079/) (2019-2019)
QB
WAS
31
1
$3,500,000
$3,500,000
-
-
-
2020


Chad Henne (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/4710/) (2018-2019)
QB
KC
34
2
$6,700,000
$3,350,000
$5,115,000
$5,115,000
76.34%
2020


Drew Stanton (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/3331/) (2018-2019)
QB
CLE
35
2
$6,500,000
$3,250,000
$4,150,000
$4,150,000
63.85%
2020


Colt McCoy (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/6593/) (2018-2019)
QB
WAS
33
2
$6,500,000
$3,250,000
-
-
-
2020


Nate Sudfeld (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/19141/) (2019-2019)
QB
PHI
26
1
$3,095,000
$3,095,000
-
-
-
2020




I know I always argue that smart teams can find cap $$$ when they need them, but 3-7 million for a position you hope never plays is asking a lot. Especially when your starter is the second highest annual cap # at the position.

Not saying the team shouldn't make a move at the position, but the pricey veteran free agent idea is almost certain to not happen.

[NCSteeler]

Not likely. I'd take Duck's three games before his benching over Mason's three game before his benching any day, and I think Duck is on his way out. The only thing Mason has going for him is those few minutes in the Jets game. A washed up Tannehill or Mariota would still have us in the playoffs this year.I didn't see the game but I kept reading how he was back was awesome. But his playing time was nothing

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

[NCSteeler]

Here is the problem with a "veteran back-up QB" - they cost a great deal of money (bold and italics is the average yearly cap hit):




Teddy Bridgewater (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/14441/) (2019-2019)
QB
NO
28
1
$7,250,000
$7,250,000

$7,250,000
$7,250,000
100.00%
2020


Ryan Fitzpatrick (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/1336/) (2019-2020)
QB
MIA
37
2
$11,000,000
$5,500,000
$7,000,000
$7,000,000
63.64%
2021


Tyrod Taylor (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/7899/) (2019-2020)
QB
LAC
30
2
$11,000,000
$5,500,000
$6,000,000
$6,000,000
54.55%
2021


Chase Daniel (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/7081/) (2018-2019)
QB
CHI
33
2
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$7,000,000
$7,000,000
70.00%
2020


Brian Hoyer (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/7035/) (2019-2021)
QB
IND
34
3
$12,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$9,000,000
75.00%
2022


Case Keenum (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/10079/) (2019-2019)
QB
WAS
31
1
$3,500,000
$3,500,000
-
-
-
2020


Chad Henne (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/4710/) (2018-2019)
QB
KC
34
2
$6,700,000
$3,350,000
$5,115,000
$5,115,000
76.34%
2020


Drew Stanton (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/3331/) (2018-2019)
QB
CLE
35
2
$6,500,000
$3,250,000
$4,150,000
$4,150,000
63.85%
2020


Colt McCoy (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/6593/) (2018-2019)
QB
WAS
33
2
$6,500,000
$3,250,000
-
-
-
2020


Nate Sudfeld (https://www.spotrac.com/redirect/player/19141/) (2019-2019)
QB
PHI
26
1
$3,095,000
$3,095,000
-
-
-
2020




I know I always argue that smart teams can find cap $$$ when they need them, but 3-7 million for a position you hope never plays is asking a lot. Especially when your starter is the second highest annual cap # at the position.

Not saying the team shouldn't make a move at the position, but the pricey veteran free agent idea is almost certain to not happen.Yeah I think we could find room for 3 million but then that drips some one else you really need. Idk best thing you can do is hope Ben doesn't get hurt again

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

[Fire Goodell]

To be honest, if Ben is coming back, I'm ok with Mason being the #2. If he's not coming back, we should get a vet QB incase the Mason thing doesn't work out (sorta like miami and rosen / fitz)

[86WARD]

Case Keenum is the one I would target off of that list.

[DesertSteel]

$3-7M was the difference between a Super Bowl run and missing the playoffs this year.

- - - Updated - - -


Case Keenum is the one I would target off of that list.
Me too. He’s a team first guy and plays well with good talent around him.

[Fire Goodell]

sign AJ McCarron's wife, just because

[DesertSteel]

sign AJ McCarron's wife, just because
Brent Musburger approves this post.

[GBMelBlount]

Nfl.com hit the nail on the head.

The Steelers are paying for the sins of their past. For years, the team has failed to identify and develop a secondary option behind Ben Roethlisberger at the game's most important position. It's come back to haunt them in 2019, a season that has featured one of the best defenses in recent team history but also sub-standard QB play that's consistently held Mike Tomlin's team back. On Sunday, Devlin "Duck" Hodges threw two first-half interceptions and was benched, leading to a return engagement from Mason Rudolph, benched himself last month due to his own ineffective play. And since this has developed into a Murphy's Law type of situation under center in Pittsburgh, Rudolph exited Sunday's game with a season-ending shoulder injury, leading to another dose of Duck. All of this helps explain a 16-10 Steelers loss in the Meadowlands that puts a serious dent in the team's playoff hopes.

So might Landry Jones or Dobbs have done better?

[86WARD]

So might Landry Jones or Dobbs have done better?

I don’t feel like Jones would’ve done better but I do feel the legs of Dobbs May have gotten them a couple extra plays on the season...

[DesertSteel]

After Landry Jones wins XFL MVP and the league then folds, he'll be resigned by the Steelers.

[BlackAndGold]

Rudolph is the back up- Tomlin

[vader29]

Rudolph is the back up- Tomlin

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