DK's Double Shot of Steelers: The third down?
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In this episode of DK Pittsburgh Sports' Double Shot of Steelers, hosts Dan Kovacevic and Chris Halleck dive into the Steelers' quarterback situation amid uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers' potential return. They analyze the team's lack of a clear franchise quarterback, discussing the implications of losing Rodgers and the limited free-agent options, including Kirk Cousins' move to the Raiders. The hosts express skepticism about the current depth behind Kenny Pickett, emphasizing that Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are not yet ready to lead the team to sustained success. They explore potential draft strategies, highlighting prospects like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Drew Aller, with particular praise for Aller's elite physical tools and arm talent. The conversation also touches on the broader state of Pittsburgh sports, contrasting the optimism around the Pirates and Penguins with the Steelers' persistent quarterback drought. The hosts conclude that until the Steelers secure a true franchise quarterback—either via draft, free agency, or Rodgers’ return—they remain competitive in the short term but not true Super Bowl contenders. The episode ends with a preview of the Pirates' home opener, which will preempt the usual podcast schedule.
The Steelers' long-term success hinges on finding a franchise-caliber quarterback, as current options like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are not yet ready to lead.
Drew Aller is a high-upside prospect with elite arm talent and physical traits, potentially a second-round pick, but his development will depend on coaching and system fit.
The Steelers are likely to draft a quarterback in the first three rounds to build depth and create competition, even if the player isn't ready immediately.
Aaron Rodgers' return would provide immediate stability, but the team must still develop a long-term solution beyond him.
The team’s draft board is internally constructed and may differ significantly from public consensus, emphasizing their unique scouting process.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Kirk Cousins' Raiders Move & Steelers' QB Crisis
“You have Mason Rudolph and you have Will Howard. What do you actually do if you're the Steelers in that event?”
The Draft & Free Agent Landscape
“I think he's going to go in the second round. I really do. I think some team is going to be really, really attracted to all those traits.”
The Franchise QB Dilemma
“No, it's very, very true. I agree with that 100%. And I think even with all the quarterback debates that we've had on here, we both agree on the sentiment that until they figure out the quarterback position, they're not going anywhere.”
The Future of Will Howard & Draft Competition
The hosts discuss Will Howard's development, the role of a drafted quarterback, and why the competition is not about backup roles but about becoming the future franchise quarterback. They clarify that even with a new draft pick, Howard remains in the mix.
Broderick Jones' PUP Outlook & Rehab Concerns
The hosts address Broderick Jones’ long-term recovery, noting he’s still not lifting weights and is struggling to regain strength. They express concern about his return timeline and the impact on the offensive line.
“No, it's very, very true. I agree with that 100%. And I think even with all the quarterback debates that we've had on here, we both agree on the sentiment that until they figure out the quarterback position, they're not going anywhere.”
“You have Mason Rudolph and you have Will Howard. What do you actually do if you're the Steelers in that event?”
“The position for which he is competing is franchise quarterback, is future franchise quarterback. Everyone else that's in it doesn't matter.”
Hosts
Steelers
other
Dan Kovacevic
person
Chris Halleck
person
Will Howard
person
Aaron Rodgers
person
Mason Rudolph
person
Drew Aller
person
Kirk Cousins
person
Pirates
other
Fernando Mendoza
person
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