Steelers 2022 starting quarterback odds: Mitchell Trubisky favored to win job over Mason Rudolph

Last month, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Mason Rudolph would be the team's starting quarterback if the "season started today." Clearly that was a hedge, and Colbert also added the Steelers would add two more quarterbacks to the roster by training camp, whether via draft or free agency. On Monday, the team agreed on a two-year contract with Bills free agent quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, and he's the SportsLine odds-on favorite to start Week 1 over Rudolph.

"He's 5-4-1 as a starter. We're excited to see what's next for Mason," Colbert said when asked about Rudolph in the wake of Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. Incidentally, Colbert is stepping aside as the GM after the NFL Draft. Head coach Mike Tomlin has been open about his desire for a dual-threat quarterback in the post-Roethlisberger era. Trubisky is much more mobile than Rudolph.

Last season, Rudolph saw action in two games and completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 277 yards, a TD and a pick. In his NFL career, Rudolph has rushed for just 89 yards on 33 carries. Trubisky barely played last season behind Josh Allen in Buffalo but rushed for 421 yards and three scores in 2018, his best season with the Bears – who took him No. 2 overall in the 2017 draft. He has a 29-17 record as a starter.

The SportsLine Projection Model (below) forecasts that Trubisky starting would improve the Steelers' 2022 playoff chances by 13 percent over Rudolph. Trubisky's contract won't be official until Wednesday.

Pittsburgh had been in the mix to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo with the 49ers, but that's no longer an option. What isn't clear is whether signing Trubisky means the Steelers won't select a quarterback with their 2022 first-round pick, which is No. 20 overall. They have been linked to Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett and his tiny hands.

The AFC North now features the first QB taken in each of the 2017, 2018 and 2020 NFL Drafts. Bengals: Joe Burrow (1st overall in 2020); Browns: Baker Mayfield (1st overall in 2018); Steelers: Trubisky (2nd overall in 2017). Although if rumors are to be believed, Mayfield might not be in Cleveland much longer. Pittsburgh is a +620 long shot at Caesars Sportsbook to win the division. 

Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Who will start Week 1 of the 2022 season at QB for Pittsburgh?

• Mitchell Trubisky -200
• Mason Rudolph +180
• Rookie draft pick +2000

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