Pittsburgh Steelers' longtime backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph has been a constant presence in the locker room since he was selected in 2018 in the third round of the NFL Draft. He has had opportunities to play since then and has never shown to have that wow factor that starting quarterbacks need to have.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steelers' 2023 quarterbacks, from the left, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.
After being relegated to the third string and holding a clipboard on the sideline, Rudolph wasn't even sure he would be back in the NFL in 2024. Now Rudolph is in the incredible position of being able to negotiate a new contract and finally have the feeling that teams want him because of his playmaking abilities.
Steelers' Mason Rudolph Is On Omar Khan's Radar
At the 2024 NFL Combine, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was asked about Rudolph and the possibility of re-signing him and if there is urgency to get it done before him being nabbed by another team. According to a video released by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, Khan said they have been talking with Rudolph.
"We've had a conversation, but it's just sorta how the process goes. I can't tell when the deal will get done, hopefully with us. It's just a process and I understand it. We'd like to have him back," said Khan.
There has been talk that Rudolph will explore other options in free agency when the league year starts. But the combine provides an opportunity for agents to get out and talk to coaches and general managers to promote one of their players and make sure that the player's name is fresh in their mind.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) has waited long enough to prove to the Steelers and the fans what he can do.
Khan feels that all players should explore all options during the free agency period.
"I think every player kind of owes it to himself. I don't know at the end of the day, there are still a few weeks till the start of the league year, but I know we'd like to have him back and I believe he wants to come back and compete. He likes it here and we've had a good experience with Mason."
When Rudolph first joined the team, the plan was to have him learn from Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger, and possibly take over under center when he retired. He had several opportunities to come in for Roethlisberger over the four seasons they played together, but Rudolph struggled to lead the team. At one point, he even found himself benched in favor of Devlin "Duck" Hodges.
Rudolph's agent certainly has plenty to say about the 28-year-old quarterback after the incredible turnaround he had. After Pickett was injured and Trubisky was benched, he was put in on a wing and a prayer. When it felt like all was lost after Trubisky dropped two in a row, Rudolph saved the season winning three straight and helping the team make the playoffs. Not only did he lead the team to 30 points in a single game for the first time in 2023, he led the team with confidence.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (left) was backed up by Mason Rudolph (right).
What do you think the Steelers will do with Rudolph? Do you think he will get other offers? Click to comment below.
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