Steelers Could Do Mason Rudolph A Favor And Release Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking move, using their first of three third-round picks to select Penn State University quarterback Drew Allar. Now the team has an abundance of signal-callers. The room is crowded, and with two young, promising arms and Aaron Rodgers back, it leaves a huge hole for veteran backup Mason Rudolph. Pittsburgh has a lot to evaluate, and Rudolph doesn't appear to be a part of the team's plans if it wants to see what it has in its young talent. Rudolph has been a backup for the Black and Gold for years, but his time could be up soon. 

Pittsburgh hired Mike McCarthy as its new head coach in January, specifically based on his work with quarterbacks and his offensive-minded approach. The team is prepared to work a lot on the two project quarterbacks in Allar and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard. To see what they can do, it would be hard if a proven veteran like Rudolph were taking reps away from them. The 2018 third-round pick's days are numbered if the Steelers are serious about wanting Howard to work as the backup. 

Rudolph could demand to be traded or released, but Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes that the organization should do him a favor and release him during training camp. Rudolph could provide another team with a solid backup with spot-starting experience. He could find a team fairly quickly based on his ability to perform solidly in relief. Kaboly spoke about this on a segment on 93.7 The Fan. 

"I think they would do him a solid and say we'll release you to try to catch on somewhere," Kaboly said. 

Rudolph's release is possible based on how difficult it would be for the Steelers to carry four quarterbacks on their roster. Rudolph would probably not want to sit on the practice squad, and he could more than likely be picked up by someone. If he's released, he would become a free agent and decide his future from there. That would be a win-win for both parties, as the Black and Gold can award more reps to their young guys, and Rudolph will have a better chance to play somewhere else. 

Rudolph has been an important part of the Steelers since he was drafted. He provided solid play after franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a major elbow injury in 2019. He went 5-3 in his eight starts that season and, since then, has been a winning quarterback during his time in the Steel City. He's 8-5-1 as a Steeler and provided some great moments like when he filled in at the end of the 2023 season, and his efforts allowed Pittsburgh to make a miraculous turnaround and earn a playoff berth. 

The Steelers could do the right thing and release a quarterback who has put in a ton of work for the team. He has had some memorable moments and has proven to be reliable, but with the insertion of youth and a new head coach, all signs point to him being let go. His services will be useful elsewhere, and he should have no problem being picked up by another team, especially after early injuries occur during training camp. 

Steelers Are Going In A New Direction At Quarterback 

McCarthy has drafted the project quarterback whom he likes in his first draft with the Steelers. Howard is another young talent who he has been vocal about liking, too. Rodgers could be on his way back not only to start, but to aid in the development of the younger quarterbacks.

Rudolph just wouldn't fit, and the culture is changing in Pittsburgh. McCarthy seems determined to find and develop a future franchise player under center, and Rudolph doesn't fit that mold. 

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