Steelers officially sign Mason Rudolph, two XFL players
By Tommy Jaggi
After reports that quarterback Mason Rudolph was going to be signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, that move became official on May 17th. The team announced that Mason Rudolph, along with two former XFL players, have inked one-year deals with the organization.
We have signed CB Luq Barcoo, WR Hakeem Butler and QB Mason Rudolph to one-year contracts. @BordasLaw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 17, 2023
📝: https://t.co/UYFhptGFPX pic.twitter.com/4JkOzsJBI0
Joining Rudolph on the roster are cornerback Luq Barcoo and wide receiver Hakeem Butler. These signings were previously announced by the XFL and are made official today.
Butler was one of the most productive receivers in the XFL during the 2023 season. He put up 51 receptions for 599 yards and 8 touchdowns in 10 games, per XFL stats. Barcoo wasn't as productive in the XFL on his side of the ball. He earned just 1 interception and recorded 31 tackles, but he did have 9 picks in a single season back in college.
What Steelers roster moves mean for the team
The Steelers may have added three more players to their 90-man summer roster, but that doesn't mean that each of them will make the team. Of the three, it certainly seems like Rudolph will have the best chance, as Pittsburgh looks to round out its quarterback depth. His main competition will be undrafted free agent QB, Tanner Morgan.
Wide receiver and cornerback are both looking very crowded at the moment, thought the Steelers did just release Ahkello Witherspoon, Luq Barcoo still has an uphill battle to crack the roster, as it will require him knocking someone out of their current spot like Chandon Sullivan, James Pierre, or Cory Trice Jr. If the Steelers choose to add a slot CB, the chances of Barcoo making the 53-man roster decrease dramatically.
At wide receiver, Hakeem Butler may stand a shot, but his status on the roster for the 2023 season could come down to his ability to attribute on special teams -- something that he hasn't done historically when he was in the NFL.
Next. Intriguing positional battles for Steelers in 2023. dark
Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers are staying active following rookie minicamp. These three additions will be at Steelers training camp this year, and they may not be done making roster moves yet.