While the Pittsburgh Steelers don't seem to have a definitive plan for third-string quarterback in 2023, it's almost a foregone conclusion that Mason Rudolph won't return to the team. The organization signed undrafted free agent, Tanner Morgan out of the University of Minnesota, but it's unlikely that they are done adding to the positional room. Overall, it's anyone's guess as to what the next move will be, but as far as Rudolph goes, he could find himself signing and staying within the division any day now.
Former Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph makes a throw during warmups prior to a 2022 preseaso matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Former Quarterback May Have The Perfect Landing Spot In Free Agency
The Cleveland Browns brought in a former Steeler in Joshua Dobbs and now it could make sense for the Cincinnati Bengals to do the exact same thing. It was reported on Wednesday that Cincinnati's backup for the past three seasons, Brandon Allen, will be joining the San Francisco 49ers.
Veteran QB Brandon Allen is signing with the #49ers, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 3, 2023
Allen helped mentor Joe Burrow in Cincinnati the past three years. Now Allen joins a young QB room in San Francisco. #TakeItOffMG
After being drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Rudolph has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, starting a total of 10 games. While he hasn't had much of an opportunity to showcase his skills on the field, the majority of seasons he spent behind future Hall of Fame signal-caller, Ben Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger (#7) and Mason Rudolph (#2) stand on the field during training camp. Photo Credit: Matthew Sunday
Sure, the Bengals signed veteran, Trevor Siemian on Wednesday afternoon in a corresponding move to losing Allen, but having some competition behind Burrow for the #2 spot would be great for the quarterbacks' room as a whole.
No one is expecting for Rudolph to go anywhere at this point and compete for a starting job, but if his expectation is to, at least, be a #2 option who is active on Sundays, the Bengals may be the best available opportunity for him. Cincinnati only had Joe Burrow and Jake Browning on the depth chart before the Siemian signing.
Rudolph's chances of not landing right back in the third slot on any depth chart are quickly dwindling. Many believed that he could be tabbed as the guy to head to San Francisco, but Allen heading to The Golden City surely puts a damper in that possibility. Cincinnati could be one of, if not, his best potential destination left and it's still no surefire guarantee that he lands the top backup spot.
Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joked on Twitter once the news broke of Allen leaving the Bengals to join the 49ers.
That sound you hear is the Bengals faithful chanting "MA-SON! MA-SON! MA-SON!" https://t.co/n1A8uvFbPn
— Brian Batko Blue Check (@BrianBatko) May 3, 2023
It wouldn't be a bad move for Cincinnati. While Rudolph isn't as talented as Burrow, they are similar in size and recognized as pocket passers. The organization would be getting a veteran and certainly getting an upgrade for Browning at the very least.
Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow (#9) make a throw during a regular season contest in Cincinnati, OH. | Photo Credit: Sam Greene / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rudolph, who never necessarily got a fair shake of things in Pittsburgh, especially in 2022, would probably love nothing more than to go and play for a division rival. One could certainly expect him to be heavily involved in game planning each time the Steelers and Bengals play in 2023 and maybe even beyond.
Do you think Rudolph could find the perfect landing spot in Cincinnati behind Burrow? Let us know in the comments below!
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