Steelers Quarterback Mason Rudolph Played With Unique Urgency In 2023 To Secure Future Employment

The Pittsburgh Steelers elected to begin the 2023 season with three quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett was named the starter and held the position until he was hurt in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. Mitch Trubisky relieved him, they lost that game, and two more following it. Mike Tomlin was forced to turn to Mason Rudolph in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals with the season on the line after falling to .500 with just three games remaining.

Rudolph exceeded expectations when he was inserted into the lineup. The Steelers' offense put up back-to-back 30-point performances against the Bengals and Seattle Seahawks. He played well against the Baltimore Ravens in a torrential downpour to complete a three-game winning streak and help the Steelers secure the seventh seed in the AFC playoffs. Rudolph and the offense struggled in the AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills and fell behind 21-0 early. The Steelers did manage to narrow it to a one-score game after two touchdown passes by Rudolph, but fell short of victory.

On Thursday, Rudolph joined his former teammate Ramon Foster on The Ramon Foster Show which airs on the DK Pittsburgh Sports YouTube channel. Rudolph is currently a free agent, and while many Steelers fans want him to return for 2024, he may have played his way out of Pittsburgh. Quarterback-starved teams may have a significant interest in the man who made lemonade from the lemons that were the Steelers' offensive scheme in 2023. Rudolph explained the sense of urgency that drove the improved performance at the end of the season.

"I was very appreciative of Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner and the staff for taking into consideration the concepts I liked," Rudolph explained. "It was backs against the wall. We were in desperation mode, trying to make the playoffs. I wasn't going to be coy or quiet about things I like or dislike. This is probably my only chance. We all felt like we were in the same boat. The staff, myself, we are all fighting for our jobs."

When the Steelers elected to move on from Matt Canada after losing to the Cleveland Browns 13-10 in Week 11, Eddie Faulkner was promoted to interim offensive coordinator. Mike Sullivan took over the play-calling responsibilities. Pickett had arguably his best game as a professional the week after the duo took over in Cincinnati. Pittsburgh only scored 16 points, but gained over 400 total yards in the game. In retrospect, the insertion of Trubisky over Rudolph after Pickett left the Arizona game with an injury was a disaster for Faulkner and Sullivan's hopes of retaining their responsibilities. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Absolutely Wants Russell Wilson To Be His 2024 Quarterback, According To Peter King

Rudolph's heroics notwithstanding, Tomlin has made it clear he wants a new direction on offense that won't include Faulkner and Sullivan. Talking heads in the national media, like Peter King, desperately want Tomlin to move on from Pickett and Rudolph, and are advocating for the Steelers to pursue Russell Wilson instead. Rudolph should be a significantly less expensive option than Wilson. Still, the question remains on whether he should trust Tomlin to give him a fair shot in 2024 or pursue opportunities elsewhere. 

Rudolph has had more than his share of bad luck since the Steelers drafted him in 2018. His first run as an NFL quarterback was marred by a horrific injury against the Baltimore Ravens and the Myles Garrett incident. It speaks to Rudolph's character that despite being baselessly slandered by Garrett, he maintained his professionalism and the respect of the locker room in the face of adversity. Rudolph's career was sidetracked, but false accusations, followed by limited opportunities, did not personally diminish him.

It would be hard to begrudge Rudolph departing Pittsburgh if there is significant interest elsewhere. The current coaching staff has demonstrated they have little faith in him and placed Pickett on top of the depth chart in 2024 (albeit if Rudolph re-signs, maybe that could change). A lot can happen in free agency and the NFL Draft, but it is clear that the former first-round draft pick will get the first bite of the apple with a new coordinator. Will Rudolph be comfortable fighting for the job in a tilted competition? The Steelers better hope so. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Did Rudolph do enough to earn the trust of a new offensive coordinator in 2024? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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