Roethlisberger doesn't want Rudolph to take over anytime soon

With Roethlisberger still performing at a Pro Bowl level, the Steelers veteran's leash deserves to be very long in Pittsburgh, but the real question is how long will he be able to hold off Rudolph?

The deal with Oakland was really a no-brainer for the Steelers, as a third-round pick is great value for a disgruntled player in the final year of his contract.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph in the third round of last week's National Football League draft, but Ben Roethlisberger isn't planning on giving up his starting job anytime soon. "If [Rudolph] is going to be their guy, that's great, but in my flawless world it's not going to be for a while".

"If he's going to be their guy, that's great, but in my flawless world it's not going to be for a while".

"I went and talked to Art [Rooney II] and coach [Mike Tomlin] and coach Randy [Fichtner] and basically said, 'Listen, I can't control - barring major injuries, barring things at home, and things out of your control - the way my body feels". The way our O-line is put together, as good as they are, they kept me healthy as can be the last couple years.

Roethlisberger did admit in the same interview that he will still take things one year at a time, but, like any true competitor, he's in no rush to give up his throne to a younger guy.

"When I heard about Martavis, I was like 'Oh, man.' I really enjoyed playing with Martavis", Roethlisberger said, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Rudolph posted a 32-9 mark as a starter at Oklahoma State and owns 54 school records, including single-season passing yards (4,553) and career passing yards (13,618), passing touchdowns (90) and pass efficiency (63.2 percent).

After all, Pittsburgh's confidence in Rudolph is well-documented now - Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said Rudolph was considered by Pittsburgh in "the group of the top quarterbacks" - and Big Ben, 36, isn't getting any younger. "We just know it's nice to have good options at the critical position". You know, Sean, he can move like a free safety, he can think like a free safety, but he can play strong safety. "For him and his family, if you're in a good happy place, then good for him". I did that with Landry and try to help Dobbs as much as I can. "It's kind of the backup's role".