NFL Free Agency 2022: Predicting one signing for all 32 teams

2022 NFL Free Agency predictions for the AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Mariota, QB (Raiders)

The Ben Roethlisberger era is over.

The Kevin Colbert era is about to be over.

What’s next for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

It’s going to be a year of transition, so it’s critical that the Steelers don’t back themselves into the proverbial corner and I don’t think they will. There are rumors that they love Malik Willis, and if it’s Mike Tomlin that loves Malik Willis, that’s one thing.

If it’s Colbert that loves Malik Willis? That’s not a corner Colbert can back the Steelers’ future GM into unless there’s some sort of agreement behind the scenes.

If the season started today, Mason Rudolph would get the ball for Pittsburgh. That’s not a position they can find themselves in six months from now.

Marcus Mariota is a former high draft choice with elite athletic traits that deserves another shot to prove he can be a full-time starter in the NFL. Things didn’t work out for him with the Titans, but his skills are there.

Now that he’s had time to learn and grow as a backup, perhaps with a supporting cast like he would have in Pittsburgh, Mariota could thrive.