Well, it's happening. When the Pittsburgh Steelers waved goodbye to Mason Rudolph during the 2024 offseason, I don't think fans envisioned a reunion so soon. Rudolph had an interesting career in Pittsburgh, which included some wild moments and impressive performances. Now he's back in the Steel City... and quite honestly, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Rudolph has inked a two-year, $8 million contract with $4.5 million guaranteed to return to the Steelers. Rudolph reportedly mulled multiple offers, including a return to the Titans, but elected to go back to where his NFL journey began.
While we didn't plan on seeing Rudolph back in the black and gold threads, the addition of the veteran quarterback was necessary at this point. The Steelers are amid a waiting game with the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh reportedly offered Rodgers a contract, but it's not about the money, and he's taking the time he needs to decide his future.
Obviously, we would hope for a better option than Rudolph if the plans to sign Rodgers fall through. However, the free-agent pickings are slim, and Rudolph was one of the best names remaining prior to signing with the Steelers.
Mason Rudolph will act as the Pittsburgh Steelers' insurance policy for Aaron Rodgers
Admittedly, Mason Rudolph is an underwhelming option if he's forced to be the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh in 2025. But as a backup, he's one of the better QBs in the business. Since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Rudolph has been called upon for 17 starts. In these contests—which were often spur-of-the-moment—Rudolph led his team to a 9-8-1 record.
The most impressive stretch of his career came with the Steelers. Late in the 2023 season, after Mitch Trubisky was in the dog house and Kenny Pickett was out with an ankle injury, it was Rudolph who took the reigns and didn't look back. In the final three games of 2023, the third-string QB threw for a combined 716 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions while helping his team to a 3-0 record to close the year.
The following week, Rudolph struggled in the playoffs in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Regardless, Rudolph offers experience at the position and has familiarity with Mike Tomlin and many of the players.
Rudolph also acts as a good scheme fit with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith (who he has not yet played with). The 6-foot-5 pocket passer will execute Smith's playbook without straying far from the plan or getting off schedule.
If Rodgers ends up signing with another NFL team (or retiring), the Steelers at least have a quarterback who did just enough to keep them competitive (which isn't what many fans want to see). However, a resurgence is possible for Rudolph if he's not playing with Matt Canada or Randy Fichtner.
Don't get me wrong: the Pittsburgh Steelers are still in a terrifying spot at quarterback, but Mason Rudolph at least offered some depth and security to the most important position on the team if things with Aaron Rodgers fall apart.