With the Steelers ready to begin training camp, there are a plethora of players fighting for their jobs. While the majority of the roster spots are already set, there are still roughly 50 players fighting a dozen roster spots. There are obvious favorites, but the roster is still wide open.
I wanted to take the time to go position by position and name some players on the roster bubble. Some of these names are obvious, as the team will likely not keep them unless they have a really strong training camp. Others are on the outside looking in, but they will still have to fend off others seeking their job.
With all of that said, here is one Steelers player on the roster bubble at every position.
Steelers QB roster bubble: Mason Rudolph
On the surface, the Steelers have the three quarterbacks that they play to take into the regular season. Kenny Pickett is the confirmed starter, Mitchell Trubisky is the well-paid backup, and Mason Rudolph is experienced depth. While I have no qualms with this trio, one has to wonder just how secure Rudolph’s job is.
I, like many others, fully expected Rudolph to go elsewhere this offseason. The team had moved in a different direction, and a new home would mean a new opportunity for the veteran. Rudolph went unsigned though, and shortly after the draft he returned to the Steelers. Despite rumored interest from other teams on his end, he signed for the minimum with no money guaranteed to him.
While the team has an obvious comfort with Rudolph, they could also easily move on from him. If Tanner Morgan looks good in camp or if a different third option becomes available that the team wants, Rudolph is an easy-release candidate. He could even kick around on the practice squad potentially given the lack of interest from the league.
While I would say the odds are that the Steelers keep him, it certainly isn’t a lock. If someone else catches this team's eyes, Rudolph will be the easy choice to cut bait with at the quarterback position.