A new potential quarterback option has surfaced for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they continue their search for a quarterback, either as competition for Kenny Pickett or as an alternative. Despite the team’s desire to re-sign Mason Rudolph, there is a growing speculation about other candidates.
NFL analyst Rich Eisen has introduced a fresh name into the Steelers’ quarterback considerations. In the event of not securing Rudolph, there’s a possibility of the Steelers signing former Las Vegas Raider, Jimmy Garoppolo, to serve as Pickett’s backup.
When discussing potential landing spots for Garoppolo, Eisen suggested, “Maybe he’s a guy who winds up in Pittsburgh, backing up Kenny Pickett? Honestly.”
Garoppolo is currently facing a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and it is anticipated that he will be released by the Raiders before mid-March, concluding his one-year tenure in Las Vegas.
While Rudolph remains the Steelers’ primary option, with the belief that he could become the starter in 2024 given a fair opportunity, there are reports indicating that he may be exploring other locations this offseason. Eisen envisions Garoppolo initially taking on a backup role but suggests that, by the end of the process, Pittsburgh may find themselves with another quarterback capable of starting.
Eisen recalled Garoppolo’s journey, emphasizing that despite being initially overlooked and not given a playbook at the start of training camp, he ended up being signed and eventually became a starter. He dismisses the notion that Garoppolo’s days as a starter are over.
At 32 years old, Garoppolo boasts a 43-20 record as a starter in the NFL, having thrown for 94 touchdowns and 51 interceptions. He led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019, though that remains his only complete season without missing any games.
