No one is quite sure which direction the Pittsburgh Steelers will go when it comes to the quarterback situation in 2024. Kenny Pickett won't be the only signal-caller on the depth chart for long and big names like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have been thrown around for the majority of days since the organization lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. A name somewhat lost in all of the drama is 2018 third-round draft pick Mason Rudolph. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy quite literally revived his career after leading Pittsburgh to the playoffs at the end of the 2023 season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) stretches on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field prior to a 2021 regular season contest in Pittsburgh, PA.
It's becoming increasingly more likely that Rudolph wears different colors in 2024. He may not have earned himself the lottery, but teams in need of a quarterback will certainly be interested in his services. A top backup job is absolutely in play after his performances late in 2023; however, that doesn't mean he can't find a situation where he has the opportunity to get the top spot on the depth chart.
All of the news surrounding the Steelers potentially pursuing Wilson or Fields has to have turned Rudolph off a bit. There also could be a situation that develops in the NFC that would give the veteran a chance to become a starter. It once seemed unrealistic for Kirk Cousins to play for a team other than the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, but he tore his achilles in 2023 and is prepared to test the free agency market.
The #Vikings and Kirk Cousins remain in communication, but it appears the four-time Pro Bowl QB will test the free-agent market, which opens at noon ET on Monday. @NFLTotalAccess @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/qwGM49Cier
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2024
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk recently reported that Cousins was planning a move to the Atlanta area. Cousins' wife has family there, so it can't be looked at as a direct correlation to football, but it's surely interesting. If Cousins heads to play for the Atlanta Falcons, or any other team for that matter, Minnesota will be stuck with Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall on the roster.
Matt Ludtke / Associated Press
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins gets ready to throw a pass during an away game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Rudolph ending up in Minnesota would be a prime situation for him. It's easy to make the argument that he could/should start over Mullens and/or Hall. On top of that, it's incredibly attractive to have a target like Justin Jefferson to throw the ball to. Head Coach Kevin O'Connell would not just put Rudolph in a position to succeed, but keep his career moving.
The Vikings could be in the market for a mid-tier quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean they won't address the signal-caller position in free agency if Cousins walks. Wilson could potentially be an option as well as Fields via trade, but someone is going to enjoy the idea of signing Rudolph to an inexpensive contract, and it could be Minnesota.
The Steelers seem to be giving up on the idea of Rudolph returning, especially after choosing to host Wilson for a visit in the Steel City. There's no way a guy like Rudolph wouldn't be looking to join forces with a different team when he clearly isn't the guy for Pittsburgh. Jefferson, along with TJ Hockenson and Jordan Addison, could make Rudolph's job fairly easy with the Vikings.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) runs a drill and gets ready to throw a football during a 2022 team training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Clearly Set On Quarterback Upgrade
It's not certain that Pittsburgh is giving up on Pickett just yet. However, it seems as if the organization has come to a realization regarding the position. A franchise doesn't bring in a future Hall of Fame candidate like Wilson to take him to lunch and wish him well. Answers will come flying in as the new league year begins, but for now, it seems as if Rudolph will be on his way. Minnesota might be the perfect fit for him.
Do you think Rudolph to the Vikings makes sense if Cousins goes elsewhere? Let us know in the comments below!
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