The Steelers informed the veteran quarterback that they would want to have him back in 2024.
Heading into the 2023 offseason, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph had no idea if he’d have a job the following regular season.
He was even contemplating a job shift.
In 2024, Rudolph has no such problem.
This offseason, the only question is who will he play for next.
With his contract ending, he might opt to test free agency, or Rudolph and the Steelers could work out a deal.
It’s unclear what the Steelers intend to do with their quarterback during the offseason, but it appears they’ve told him they want him to stay in Pittsburgh.
Rudolph told his Foster during a visit on “The Ramon Foster Show” that Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan had expressed an interest in having him return next season.
“Yeah, that was good. Rudolph informed his former teammate, “I visited with Mike T and Omar, but it was so early, like three or four days after we played our last game, and there’s a lot neither side knows.” “I thought they meant it when they stated they wanted me back, and I believe they want to do future business with me. That’s great to hear. But, as you mentioned, there are so many factors, and it’s still early, January, so who knows what will happen?
Rudolph made a strong case for another contract at the end of the 2023 season.
A compelling case for a return to the Steelers
During the 2023 NFL offseason, it was unclear whether Rudolph’s career would continue.
He was even contemplating a job shift.
This offseason, he has no such problems.
Rudolph’s performance in the final three games of the 2023 regular season earned his spot on a roster the following season.
Rudolph had 290 yards and two touchdowns passing against the Bengals in Week 16. The following week, he threw for 274 yards against the Seattle Seahawks.
Then, in terrible weather, he completed 90% of his passes against the Ravens to end the regular season.
He guided the squad to victory in each of those games before his streak of strong performances came to an end in a playoff defeat to the Bills.
The best case for bringing Rudolph back is what he did for George Pickens during his starts.
Pickens played his best two games of the season with Rudolph at quarterback. In weeks 16 and 17, the second-year receiver made 11 catches for 326 yards and two scores.
Having a quarterback on the roster who can bring out the best in one of your most promising young players is surely not a bad thing.
Rudolph has clearly demonstrated that bringing him back is a move the Steelers should consider, but there are still some obstacles that may arise.
Potential Obstacles to Rudolph’s Return
While Rudolph’s success at the end of the 2023 season and history with the Steelers appear to make him a solid fit for the team’s 2024 roster, a few factors may keep him away.
The first is monetary.
Rudolph earned only $1 million in 2023, which was a big bargain given how the season ended.
He’ll receive a hefty raise in 2024.
Other clubs will be looking at him as a backup option throughout the offseason, which will raise his price.
If the Steelers are sure that Kenny Pickett is their guy in 2024, they may opt for a less expensive option.
Mark Madden mentioned another potential impediment on January 22.
Bringing Rudolph back could make it more difficult for Pickett to flourish next season.
His comeback raises the risk that supporters will push for him to replace Pickett as soon as the young quarterback fails.
That might undermine Pickett’s confidence, and there may be players in the locker room who agree with the fans, making the situation much worse.
If the Steelers are concerned about those possibilities, they may let Rudolph leave for the sake of Pickett.
Another possibility is that there isn’t room on the roster for him.
There has been no word on whether the team is actively looking for a new quarterback, but they may try to make a move this offseason.
If they sign a veteran starter, Pickett will become the backup, leaving Rudolph out of the depth chart.
For the time being, it appears that the team wants him back, but that could change once free agency begins.
