The Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves through the NFL when they announced the signing of nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. This move has ignited a blaze of excitement throughout the Steel City, with fans eagerly anticipating the impact Wilson will have on the team.
Mark J. Terrill / AP photo
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
With the 2022 first round prospect Kenny Pickett still in contention and rumors swirling about an open competition, the quarterback landscape for the Steelers is undergoing a dramatic shift. As a result, Mason Rudolph's future with the team appears increasingly uncertain, with his return looking less likely by the day.
Amidst the fervor surrounding Wilson's arrival, reports have emerged regarding the market value—or lack thereof—of Rudolph. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has shed light on the situation, revealing conflicting insights into Rudolph's current standing in the NFL market.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph (2) throws a pass during poor weather against the Baltimore Ravens.
A reader inquired of Dulac about Rudolph's situation, asking if there were viable offers with significant financial incentives that the Steelers couldn't match. Dulac provided a blunt response.
“That wasn't the case at all. If it were, he would have already signed with another team. I'm sure he's not happy about the Steelers signing Wilson.”
Dulac suggests that the likelihood of another team outbidding the Steelers for Rudolph has not materialized, as evidenced by Rudolph's ongoing unsigned status. This hints at the possibility that Rudolph's market value may not be as high as initially speculated.
As speculation mounts and the quarterback situation evolves, the Steelers face a pivotal moment in their quest for success on the gridiron, with Wilson's addition signaling a new era for the storied franchise.
As Dulac highlighted, the Steelers, along with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, recognize the immediate need to secure victories on the football field. With a defense boasting seasoned talent and an offense undergoing exciting changes, the decision to bring Wilson to Pittsburgh was an obvious one. However, this move also injects further uncertainty into the situation surrounding Rudolph's future with the team.
Steelers' Mason Rudolph Saved The Season And Is Gifted With Nothing, So far
During the 2023 season, the Steelers endured some dark moments before Rudolph was summoned to replace the struggling Mitch Trubisky, a quarterback the Steelers had overpaid for due to their lack of confidence in Rudolph. Rudolph's entry sparked an offensive resurgence, leading the Steelers to three consecutive victories. Luck also played a role as they secured a postseason berth in the final week of the regular season.
Rudolph showcased remarkable efficiency, completing 74.3% of his passes for 716 yards and three touchdowns during those pivotal final three games of the season. Despite some of the best quarterback play the Steelers have seen since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the organization has stayed indifferent towards Rudolph.
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Injured Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with Mason Rudolph on the sideline during a 2019 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
This presents a delicate predicament, as they have invested a first-round pick in Pickett, whose own circumstances have taken a downturn. Mishandling Rudolph's opportunities previously has left the Steelers treading cautiously as they navigate the complexities of the Pickett situation.
For Rudolph, the path back to the Steelers is fraught with uncertainty. It seems increasingly probable that he will seek opportunities elsewhere to pursue a genuine chance at securing a starting role. The mishandling of his development and the emergence of Wilson have left Rudolph on the fringes of the Steelers' plans, casting doubt on his future with the team.
As Dulac has already noted, Rudolph's market value doesn't appear to be particularly impressive. Nonetheless, the Steelers seem inclined to attempt to retain Rudolph, pending his own stance on the matter.
The unfolding dynamics surrounding Rudolph's future promise to be captivating as free agency progresses. While the 2024 season for the Steelers looms in the distance, the anticipation within Steeler Nation is palpable.
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