The Pittsburgh Steelers are going into the offseason with a ton of questions on offense, especially at the quarterback position. Kenny Pickett looked better once Matt Canada was fired, but it was not nearly enough time to have full confidence in him. Mason Rudolph, who went 3-0 to end the regular season and lead the Steelers to the playoffs, will be a free agent if they can't get a deal done. The Steelers are looking for a quarterback to compete with Pickett, whether they bring back Rudolph, or find someone outside the organization.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (TWITTER / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterbacks Kenny Pickett (8) and Mason Rudolph (2) have both been pegged at times as the replacement for Ben Roethlisberger. They might compete for that role going into the 2024 season.
The Steelers already have a lot of money invested in Mitch Trubisky as the backup quarterback and cutting him won't save the team much money unless they do a post-June 1st release. The Steelers would have to go cheap with whoever they bring in for competition, and that answer is most likely already on the team. Rudolph previously signed a one-year deal for just over $1 million, so something in the price range just slightly above that would be ideal for both parties.
Ray Fittipaldo, a trusted Steelers insider, was asked about what it would cost for the Steelers to bring back Rudolph. It would have to be reasonable, but with the Steelers' tendencies to circumvent the cap space, it could be very doable.
"Free agency can be wild. It's all about supply and demand. I know the other 31 teams passed on Rudolph last year around this time. Of course, that was before he played well down the stretch and helped the Steelers make the playoffs. I am guessing it will be around $5-6 million to retain him, and I think that's a good number. It's basically what they paid Trubisky, even a little less."
The Steelers were able to get Rudolph back for cheap because of his lack of finding a reasonable suitor last offseason. Now, after his impressive four-game stretch, teams should be more willing to sign him for quarterback depth, and possibly a starting role. It won't be as easy to keep him in 2024, and the Steelers will have to give him more than roughly the veteran minimum.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph (2), Kenny Pickett (8), and Mitch Trubisky (10) participate in drills in training camp in Pittsburgh, PA.
With the Steelers holding the 20th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they would not be in position to draft a premier quarterback to compete with Pickett on day one. There are plenty of other veterans, but Rudolph would be their best option. Even with a new offensive coordinator coming in, Rudolph has been praised by his teammates for how he handled his situation in the Steel City, and rumors have been swirling about the players wanting him to lead the team, as opposed to Pickett.
Could Steelers Keep Rudolph From Entering Free Agency?
The Steelers have the best chance to land Rudolph in 2024, as the legal tampering period does not start until March. If Rudolph wants to stay, they have plenty of time to work on a deal before he can negotiate elsewhere. Hopefully, he would be willing to come back on a low cap hit and get the deal done sooner rather than later. Testing the market however, could be his best chance at maximizing his pay day.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) and wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18).
A two-year deal with loads of incentives and guaranteed money on the first year could help Rudolph make his decision. That kind of contract would also benefit the Steelers, as they could back-load the contract and save some money for 2024. The deal would likely be after the Steelers choose their new offensive coordinator, but as long as it gets done, it should make Steelers fans happy.
What do you think about Mason Rudolph returning to the Steelers? Will they be able to come to a deal? Comment below.
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