Trying to figure out what to do at the quarterback spot this offseason might be the biggest concern for the Steelers. Is Kenny Pickett still the unquestionable starter next year? Or does the team have to go out and find someone who will push him for that starting job each week? It seems like the organization is open to the idea of moving on from Pickett as the only starting option if the opportunity presents itself.
Mason Rudolph went from a third-string quarterback to someone who has led Pittsburgh to another non-losing season. The offense looked night and day better with him at the helm for the most part. Rudolph is currently scheduled to become a free agent and the last few weeks of the regular season probably jump up his asking price for his next contract when free agency rolls around.
Pittsburgh could remain a top landing spot in free agency for Mason Rudolph
It is somewhat surprising that Rudolph returned for this season as many have projected him to leave years ago. He stuck around and took advantage of his opportunity to take the Steelers to better heights with his play at the conclusion of the regular season. He is not a spotless quarterback, but he has done enough that the Steelers need to consider bringing him back.
Whether or not he wishes to re-sign is another topic of conversation. Pittsburgh would need to offload Mitch Trubisky and cement Rudolph as the second option behind Pickett at least. Maybe he deserves a legit shot at the starting spot when training camp rolls around too. Many will want a better option to push Pickett for the starting gig, but Rudolph has shown he can produce when called upon.
Rudolph's time in Pittsburgh has not been sunshine and rainbows, as he routinely fell down the depth chart. He will likely be best as a backup when we look at his ability with realistic expectations. He might cost a pretty penny this time around, but he would be a solid second option if the Steelers were able to find a legit replacement for Pickett heading into next season.
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Rudolph could leave the Steelers for brighter days in Las Vegas
While looking at enticing quarterback options out there, one has to imagine that Rudolph will try to ride this wave of momentum heading into the offseason. Depending on how far the Steelers go this year, it will only boost Rudolph's next contract numbers if he can continue as a quality starter. Perhaps he will even be able to gain a top starting opportunity.
Las Vegas has been able to have a strong second half of their season despite their Head coach being fired months ago. That team will miss the playoffs, but they have a strong roster, especially along the front of their defense. They also have some quality options across their offense that could be an enticing option for a quarterback looking to expand his resume.
Mason Rudolph might be a cheaper bridge option for some teams and could be even more of a bargain if other clubs don't come calling. It makes sense for him to join the Raiders as the club currently doesn't have too many starting options. Right now, the Raiders have a top-12 pick in the upcoming draft, which might be too far for one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.
Rudolph could be a nice piece to battle Aidan O'Connell for the starting job, especially if Jimmy Garopollo is let go this offseason. He would be a tremendous addition if Las Vegas misses out on one of the top quarterbacks coming out of college this year. He can help lead them to another year with respectable production and still have them in position for a future quarterback next year.
A signing in Denver during free agency could give him a shot at a starting job
Russel Wilson will be out of Denver whenever the offseason kicks off after the Super Bowl reaches its conclusion. The Broncos are in a rough spot right now. Their defense is a solid group, but they have limited draft resources and players who might be looking for new homes soon. Denver is in a bad spot and it might be a while until they're competitive again.
They will need to spend their money wisely and bringing in someone like Rudolph might be their best opportunity. He shouldn't command crazy money or a long-term contract, but he can be a reliable starter for the Broncos moving forward. The Steelers would be wise to try and keep Rudolph, but somewhere like Denver would be more enticing.
Without Wilson in the picture, and their top draft pick out of the picture still, Rudolph could be an unquestioned starter in that picture. He would still need to earn that job, but there is little competition currently on their roster. One would have to imagine that the Broncos would be fairly active at adding a quarterback or two this offseason.
They currently have Jarrett Stidham as their lone guy on the roster heading into next season. Signing someone like Rudolph and drafting a quarterback later in the draft might be the best answer for Denver for next year. It might not be a successful football team during the next campaign, but Rudolph would likely get most of those starts.