STEELERS EARLY QB POLL

Typically we go into a season w 6 receivers. This year that most likely will be Metcalf, Pittman, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Skowroneck, and looks like Wetjen (coming off a good preseason game). Wetjen is our return specialist so he can make the roster as our returner. That sixth receiver spot can go to keeping 4 qbs. People like Brandon Smith, I like him too. But I wld be ok with Smith going to practice squad and steelers listing 5 receivers and keeping 4 qbs, this also sets us up long term. Mason, Howard, Allar qb room in 2027

 

Keep Mason until some QB goes down and trade him for a 4th, or even 5th. If AR goes down, well ..... it was time to see what we have in Howard and Allar. And ..... the season was most likely over anyway ..... if we ever had a chance to begin with. Mason is a reliable back up, they have value.

 

Exactly who do you think is going to give a 4th for Mason when they get him or an equal for free

 

Until he lets him go

I want you to be nice

Until it’s time not to be nice

- James Dalton, Roadhouse

 

I guess I'm thinking that his equals aren't going to be available for free

 

Allar had a stellar first game last night, how did Pavia do in his first NFL game? Oh that's right not one of the 32 teams even invited him to training camp. The Ravens gave him a quick look in mini-camp and said no thanks get the hell out of here.

 

The same Paiva that the Ravens cut before training camp .

 

You are allowed to think before posting

 

They all looked good. None of them were painful to watch. Refreshing change. Signs of things to come.

 

All four is a good option, specially when the starter is an AARP member

 

I see what you mean.

 

He's going to be a good looking insurance salesman?

 

There is still a lot to be learned about either of the young guys in the next preseason games. If either one of them sh!ts the bed, that's going to make their decision about Mason a little easier.

Is Rudolphs worth(potential draft pick) greater than the faith in him to lead the team through the playoffs should he be called on for an extended period of time? Either they get something for him if they can, or they let him play out this season and get nothing.

 

He has played actual NFL football. Allar looked good against a lot of people who are unlikely to do so. Also Rudolph is getting actual coaching now. Had it not been for preseason play calling and bonehead penalties he'd have scored twice, against actual real people. Yeah. Start Allar next week. See how he does against the real stuff. I've seen a big enough sample of Mason to know he is the real deal and the cool jewel. Let the other two compete for #3.

 

Rodgers is a used up bum. Oh and did I forget to say scaredy cat. But this whole year tilts on whether he steps up one last time or remains 1-dimensional and self absorbed. I predict the latter. To me this whole discussion is about the future.

 

Joe Flacco was traded last year for a pick swap of a 5th for a 6th round pick.

I think right now Mason is worth more to the Steelers than a pick swap of day 3 picks. That could all change with these next 2 games if Howard and Aller continue to play strong. I still think McCarthy does not play Mason in the next 2 games. In 2024 McCarthy's backup only threw 6 passes in preseason, and the starter Dak did not play at all. McCarthy likes to see the kids play.

 

i say keep them all. howard and aller are valuable for down the road. let them keep building experience in the fine details of the game. mason is valuable this year. he CAN help those two young guys as well. if it were up to me, i'd re-sign mason next year as well. howard and aller are the future but there is a need for a stable vet behind them next year. next year is the crucial year for our two new guys, not this year.

 

Cliff notes
Howard likely to be a career backup
Like pulling teeth from an ornery alligator to get injury updates
Allar most likely to be Qb1 next season

 

If you have young QBs that may have a future, you just don't kick them out the door like you would a RB or WR. The commodity at that position is too valuable.

I think the Steelers find a way to keep all (4).

 

This is a tough question. There is currently, only 2 options:
1. Trade Rudolf. He's not going to the practice squad (maybe a mystery injury?)
2. Trade Howard.

Allar has demonstrated potential - it maybe as a future #2 or maybe a future starter.
Rogers is solid at #1.
Howard is not McCarthy's guy and has struggled with snaps.
Mason is a known value. How much does McCarthy value him?

There's probably a team that would give us a pick for Howard.. as long as he shows as he has.
There's probably a team that might give us a pick for Mason.

Or they keep all 4.

A trade for Howard seems most likely. but after preseason.
That solves the issue: Rogers starts, Mason at #2 and Allar #3 maybe even #2 at times.

But I would still temper all that with the fact that it is one preseason game.
I would play Mason maybe 2 series, then Allar then Howard. I would want to see them play against at least some #2's. (Allar looked promising, but that was against players who won't be in the league)

 

For me, it's a no-brainer. If you don't want to keep 4, get rid of Mason.

Unless he just stunk up the joint in practice and pre-season, why give up on a young talent in Howard? If Rodgers goes down, everyone in Heinz (er. Acrisure) wants to see one of the young guys get a shot.

The only way I could understand them trading Howard, is if McCarthy just isn't impressed with his upside potential.

 

I can't imagine any NFL GM trading for a 6th round draft pick who has never taken an NFL snap.

 

I realize I chose Howard the odd man out
But
I am starting to lean heavily in favor of keeping 4 in the room
Arot is gone next season
Mason in his final year
Maybe Allar qb1
Howard qb2
Next season
Leaves questions about Mason
Do you keep him
Or
Find another vet backup?
To me just keep Mason
As you know what you got with him

 

You would definitely get more for Howard than Mason
Youth and potential upside