Ben Roethlisberger’s standing with the Steelers is presently in limbo, as Pittsburgh basic supervisor Kevin Colbert tries to determine whether or not or not he can put collectively a group that’s adequate to warrant paying to maintain Roethlisberger below middle for an 18th season. 

If he determines that can’t be accomplished, Colbert and the wage cap-strapped Steelers will seemingly resolve to go in one other course at quarterback. That will open the door for Mason Rudolph to maneuver into the beginning job. Behind him could be Dwayne Haskins, a former first-round decide who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers final month. 

“We now have Mason Rudolph, and Mason did an actual good job in that sport he performed and began towards Cleveland within the [regular-season] finale,” Colbert instructed Steelers.com’s Missi Matthews earlier this week. “Got here up a bit brief in giving us a win, however gave us an opportunity, and that was actually necessary for him. It was necessary for us to see that.” 

Colbert additionally touched on Haskins, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback who drew comparisons to Roethlisberger throughout his time at Ohio State. 

“We’re excited to see what Dwayne can do with us,” Colbert stated. “It did not work out for him in Washington. We had excessive grades on Dwayne popping out of Ohio State. He bought picked loads greater than we had been capable of make that call. … He is a younger, gifted quarterback that we’re anxious to see what he can do as soon as he will get right here and will get working with us.” 

The fifteenth total decide within the 2019 draft, Haskins was launched by Washington following a subpar efficiency within the Soccer Group’s Week 16 loss to the Panthers. Haskins’ highly-publicized violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols additionally contributed to his launch. After being launched, Haskins described what he referred to as the “worst week of his life” throughout an interview with WUSA9’s Darren Haynes. 

“Gotta be accountable for the selections you make in life, and be capable of transfer ahead and make the most effective choices,” Haskins stated. “I’ve little question in my thoughts that I can overcome this, develop and turn out to be a greater particular person, a greater athlete, a greater quarterback and a greater chief due to this. That is one thing I am praying and dealing on to indicate. I am hoping {that a} new change in surroundings will assist with that.”

In two seasons in Washington, Haskins went simply 3-10 as a starter. He accomplished 60.1% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 2020, the previous first-round decide gained simply one in every of his six begins whereas throwing extra interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (5). And whereas Haskins and fellow backup Kyle Allen went a mixed 2-8 as Washington’s beginning quarterbacks, veteran Alex Smith — the 2020 Comeback Participant of the 12 months — went 5-1 below middle whereas main the Soccer Group to an NFC East division title. 

Whereas a few of Haskins’ struggles have been his doing, the truth that he has needed to play for 3 completely different coaches and two completely different coordinators seemingly contributed to his lack of success. Haskins additionally needed to play behind an offensive line that allowed 50 sacks to Washington’s quarterbacks in every of the previous two seasons. 

Haskins did have some brilliant moments throughout his time in Washington. In his sixth profession begin, Haskins threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns (whereas finishing almost 68% of his passes) in Washington’s 37-27 loss to Philadelphia. In Week 4 of the 2020 season, Haskins threw for 314 yards whereas finishing over 71% of his throws in Washington’s 31-17 loss to the Ravens. 

Whereas the Steelers will seemingly add to their quarterback room in the course of the offseason, it is fairly clear that Haskins and Rudolph will enter coaching camp because the Steelers’ top-two quarterbacks if Roethlisberger is now not a part of the equation.