The next time Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph meet, things could get uncomfortable.
Big Ben was on KDKA’s “Cook and Poni” in Pittsburgh on Friday and questioned why the Pittsburgh Steelers used a third-round pick on the former Oklahoma State quarterback last week. He was surprised they didn’t use the pick on a player who might have an easier path to play and help the team win now.
“I was surprised when they took a quarterback because I thought that maybe in the third round, you can get some really good football players that can help this team now. And nothing against Mason, I think he’s a great football player … I just don’t know how backing up or being the third guy, who knows where he’s going to fall on the depth chart, but helps us win now,” Roethlisberger told the hosts.
Big Ben also is sensitive about the team’s other quarterbacks, Landry Jones and Josh Dobbs, and their roster spots.
“Those two guys are who I feel the worst for,” Roethlisberger offered. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t worried about [Rudolph] coming and taking my job. I feel confident that I can go out and beat whoever I need to beat out for my job. … I do feel bad for those guys.”
Roethlisberger openly contemplated retirement last offseason, but now he’s talking about playing another 3-5 years. When he throws around the idea of retiring, he shouldn’t wonder why the Steelers are using picks to potentially find their quarterback of the future. It’s no wonder he’s being defensive now.
