Garafolo: Steelers Free Agent Mason Rudolph Expecting To Have Multiple Opportunities Elsewhere But "Door Isn't Closed On Return"

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently only have one quarterback under contract for 2024, and that is Kenny Pickett. It will not stay that way. There has been rampant speculation about who will join the former first-round draft pick in the quarterback room. Social media and the national debate shows have floated multiple possibilities in free agency, trades, and the upcoming draft.

On Tuesday, Bill Barnwell from ESPN predicted that Mason Rudolph would re-sign with the Steelers on a team-friendly contract. The interest in the former third-string quarterback is difficult to gauge. The Athletic named Rudolph as the sixth-best free agent quarterback. However, Gregg Rosenthal's NFL.com article put him behind at least eight other quarterbacks, including Jameis Winston and Tyrod Taylor, but they also ranked Jacoby Brissett ahead of Baker Mayfield in their rankings.

Is Steelers' Mason Rudolph And New OC A Good Match?

On Wednesday, during NFL Network's The Insiders, Tom Pelissero pointed out that the Steelers seemed committed to Pickett as the starter. Ian Rapoport discussed the impact that the Steelers' new offensive coordinator could have on the Pittsburgh offense and if Rudolph would get the opportunity to compete with Pickett in 2024. 

"I would agree with that. The fact that they brought in Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator will be one of the more significant hires of the entire cycle," Rapoport replied. "As an offensive coordinator, he was excellent; I think people kind of forget that. This is a great opportunity for Kenny Pickett. They are going to bring in someone to compete with him, and one of the biggest questions in free agency is it Mason Rudolph? Do you bring in the guy who caught fire? Do they say you were awesome during that time, but we are not going to create that issue."

The hiring of Arthur Smith casts some doubt on Rudolph's viability in a new offense. Smith's offense is geared toward quarterback mobility, which is not one of Rudolph's strengths. Regardless of where various publications and prognosticators assess Rudolph's actual value in the new Steelers' offense, one fact cannot be ignored. The six-year veteran is not currently committed to returning to Pittsburgh. 

Mike Garafolo, the third member of The Insiders cast, jumped into the fray at this point. He emphasized that the decision had not been made either way and that the organization and Rudolph's camp are ready and willing to explore a return to the Steelers. 

"My understanding is that the door is not closed on Mason Rudolph possibly returning to Pittsburgh,” Garafolo said. “But they do expect, his camp, does expect that there will be opportunities elsewhere potentially for him. Particularly because he did play well in spot starts down the stretch.”

Rudolph played the best football of his career in the season's final three games for Mike Tomlin. He had not taken a meaningful snap since 2021 and went three for three down the stretch to get the Steelers back to the playoffs. Rudolph posted a 118 passer rating and, more importantly, illustrated what the Steelers' offense could look like with a competent signal-caller running the offense. It cannot be ignored that he does his best work from the pocket, and he might not be an ideal fit with Smith. 

The Steelers' new offensive coordinator was hired very quickly after the season ended. He was the first and only candidate that met Tomlin's stated criteria at his season-ending press conference. Smith could revive Pickett's career like he did for Ryan Tannehill with the Tennessee Titans. He could also insist privately that the quarterback he had the most professional success with, who is a free agent, be brought in over Rudolph to bring Pickett up to speed and act as a viable backup plan who is familiar with his offense. 

Rudolph has had a tough road in Pittsburgh. He has endured more than most, overcome it all, and flashed in what was perceived as his last chance in the NFL. There is a solid case to be made that his performance over the last three games in 2023 should have landed him as at least 1A on the 2024 depth chart. An equally strong case can be made that Rudolph is a career backup who can provide competent play in spot duty, but is not a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. 

Omar Khan, Tomlin, and Smith must decide quickly which version is true and whether either fits on the 2024 roster. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? If Rudolph generates interest from other teams, will he take a one-way ticket out of Pittsburgh? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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