3 players the Steelers should put on the trade block

2. Mason Rudolph, QB

I know what you are probably thinking, but I have seen this scenario play out, and it can work for the Steelers.

Though Mason Rudolph was just drafted in the 3rd round last season, he could hold some intriguing trade value if the Steelers play their cards just right.

Pittsburgh was reportedly very high on Rudolph entering the 2018 draft, and were ecstatic when they were able to land him in the third. However, the Steelers just gave Ben Roethlisberger another two-year contract extension, and Josh Dobbs was one of the best quarterbacks in the 2018 preseason.

Though the Steelers could attempt to do the same thing by trading Dobbs, Rudolph (who still has three seasons left on his rookie deal) might collect more interest around the league.

The Patriots are obviously masters at doing this – taking a quarterbacks like Ryan Mallett, Matt Cassel, or Jimmy Garoppolo, and trading them away for draft compensation. Cassel even brought them a return of the 34th overall pick.

Even the Eagles were able to trade a very average quarterback in Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick. Kolb had just 7 touchdowns and 7 picks in Philly.

Likewise, Josh Rosen had a miserable rookie season, but still helped the Cardinals fetch a return of a 2nd and a 5th round pick.

While this deal would work best if Rudolph had regular season game experience under his belt, the league is full of quarterback-needy teams looking to find their next man. If Rudolph has a great preseason showing, perhaps they could turn him into a 2nd round draft choice, if a suitor has a big enough need.

With Ben signed to an extension, and Dobbs showing tremendous improvement in preseason last year, Rudolph may not get a chance to play anytime soon. Trading Rudolph could make sense for the Steelers.