The Steelers and Mike Tomlin are juggling so many things. One of them is finding a new replacement for George Pickens and ending a waiting drama with Aaron Rodgers. Two weeks ago, Pickens’ trade talks were categorized as rumors. But Jerry Jones made an out-of-the-blue deal with the Steelers and landed Pickens. But since the wide receiver has shaken hands with the Cowboys, Mike Tomlin is searching for his replacement. 

In a latest report from ‘NFL Rumors’ X page, Keenan Allen emerged as a perfect replacement for Pickens. Actually, this can be a rumor or a random guess, but Allen’s department can’t be the one. There are two important reasons for it. First of all, there was a high chance that his former team, the Chargers, would not invite him. Though he has played the 2024 season with Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen has played 11 seasons with the Chargers. 

 Another important reason he can’t finalize a deal with his former team is, the Chargers have given Keenan’s jersey number to the newly added undrafted free-agent quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. If we look at his contract details, he had signed a deal with the Bolts but traded to the Bears mid-season. Currently, Allen has ended his five-year, $80,100,000 extension deal with the Bolts. 

So, the Chargers can sign this six-time Pro Bowl WR for at least two years. It is also expected that the Steelers won’t regret that decision, and there is evidence to support it. In the 2024 season, Allen played 15 seasons and made 70 receptions at 121 targets while covering 744 yards at an average of 10.6 yards per reception. And all this resulted in Allen landing 7 touchdowns. So, this can be a great deal for the Steelers to add Keenan, as he is available. 

Meanwhile, Mike Tomlin is also highly focused on the QB position, which has been vacant since the departure of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers are now reportedly planning out a strategic move to go about the quarterback plan and who to play in the practice session. Let’s dive in to know more. 

Mike Tomlin is planning out for Aaron Rodgers’ alternative

NFL reporter Dan Graziano reported on the issue of Aaron Rodgers signing a deal with the Steelers: “In talking to sources about this situation, I don’t get the sense the Steelers are as concerned about their quarterback room as everyone else.” He also added, “First of all, they remain optimistic that Rodgers will sign and be their starter, and that he’ll play better than he did last season for the Jets now that he’s one year further removed from his 2023 Achilles injury.” It was also suggested that Aaron Rodgers is going to join the Steelers soon. But what if that doesn’t happen in the near future?

The Steelers have decided to start with Mason Rudolph if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t join the Steelers. While talking about Mason Rudolph, Graziano said that the Steelers like Rudolph and have fresh memories of him saving their 2023 season and leading them to the playoffs when 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett struggled. If we look at Rudolph’s 2024 season, when he was with the Titans, he played 8 games and completed 146 throws out of 228 with a completion percentage of 64.0%. 

Mason returned to Pittsburgh City after one year and had already spent four years with Mike Tomlin. But, we are talking about using Mason Rudolph only if Aaron Rodgers couldn’t sign a deal with the Green Bay Packers. Let’s see what happens and if Rodgers can end the waiting drama.