Questions continue to surround Denver's QB2 position after the backup's postseason play. Though Jarrett Stidham has experience, his grip on the backup role is hardly secure, prompting Bleacher Report's Alex Kay to suggest a Steelers quarterback as a potential answer.

“If no trade materializes, Mason Rudolph might find himself released before Week 1," said Alex Kay. "Should that happen, the Denver Broncos would be a logical landing spot.”

Mason Rudolph is currently in the final season of his two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Steelers, which makes him one of the most affordable veteran quarterbacks on the market.

The trade would make perfect sense for the Steelers because the team currently has the lowest cap space in the league, and the quarterback room is crowded as well.

With Aaron Rodgers locked in as the starter and only two backup spots available, Mason Rudolph, second-year QB Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar are expected to battle for a place on the roster.

"The Steelers must now decide whether retaining an experienced veteran is worth taking valuable practice reps away from two developmental prospects learning behind Rodgers," Kay wrote.

According to Kay, the Steelers might opt for a younger, new face rather than retain a veteran in the QB2 role.

This equation opens a door Denver cannot afford to ignore, especially after what happened last year. The AFC Championship Game exposed exactly how costly unreliable quarterback depth can be.

In that matchup, Stidham completed just 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, while adding one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble.

“To Rudolph's credit, he has been a reliable option when called upon—throwing for 3,395 yards and 21 touchdowns while compiling an 8-5-1 record as Pittsburgh's starter,” Kay wrote Tuesday.

That said, Bo Nix's injury concerns also give Denver a reason to pursue Mason Rudolph.

Bo Nix’s Injury Clouds Denver’s Quarterback Outlook

What was expected to be a routine 4-6 weeks recovery for Bo Nix has turned into a much longer road.

The 2024 1st round pick’s surgically repaired ankle suffered another setback when he underwent an unexpected follow-up procedure in April, which might have derailed his comeback timeline as per NFL insider James Palmer.

“This was a big talking point in Denver because everybody was going ‘He’s ahead of schedule’ from (owner) Greg Penner to (head coach) Sean Payton to (general manager) George Paton,” Palmer said, according to Heavy.com.

With Denver's first game scheduled against their divisional rivals Kansas City Chiefs, Broncos fans will certainly be keen on Nix's attendance, especially with Patrick Mahomes still not confirmed for the game.

“Everything is perfectly fine," Palmer further added. "Easy procedure … and then he has a 2nd procedure, and it slides him back a little bit. But he’ll be on the field in June, and he’ll be full-go in July, so when training camp starts, he should be right there.”

As per Palmer, the quarterback could return in July. However, concerns surrounding his injury will still linger, giving the Broncos plenty of reason to pursue another reliable quarterback.

That said, what are your thoughts on the Denver Broncos recent situation? State your opinion in the comments below.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote