Veteran Quarterback Returns Amid Uncertain QB Situation

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially re-signed quarterback Mason Rudolph to a two-year contract, bringing their former third-round draft pick back after a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans. This move, confirmed by sources to ESPN, offers the Steelers a familiar face in their quarterback room as they await a decision from veteran Aaron Rodgers.

With Justin Fields departing for the New York Jets and Russell Wilson exploring other options, the Steelers’ quarterback situation remains fluid. Securing Rudolph ensures Pittsburgh has a veteran presence with starting experience, providing much-needed stability. The Steelers also recently signed Skylar Thompson, a former Miami Dolphins quarterback, on a futures deal.

 

Steelers' Quarterback Carousel Continues

Justin Fields, one of the quarterbacks who started for the Steelers last season, agreed to a two-year contract with the Jets earlier this week. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson, the other 2024 starter for Pittsburgh, is currently in discussions with multiple teams. He is scheduled to meet with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, followed by a visit with the New York Giants on Friday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Steelers’ conversations with Rudolph reportedly began before Fields finalized his deal with the Jets. The organization appears to be keeping its options open as it navigates an evolving quarterback market.

 

Rudolph’s Rocky Road to Pittsburgh’s Starting Role

Mason Rudolph is no stranger to stepping in during difficult situations. In the 2023 season, he took over the starting role late in the year and led the Steelers to a strong 3-0 finish, helping secure a playoff berth. However, this wasn’t his first time leading the team through turbulence—he also shared starting duties with Devlin “Duck” Hodges in 2019 after franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury.

During his previous tenure with the Steelers, Rudolph posted an 8-4-1 record. However, his 2024 season with the Titans was far less successful. Signed last offseason to provide veteran support for second-year quarterback Will Levis, Rudolph found himself in a backup role behind the young signal-caller. When Levis went down with an injury, Rudolph stepped in for five starts but struggled, finishing with a 1-4 record.

Over the course of the 2024 season, he played in eight total games, completing 63.7% of his passes (437-for-686) for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Despite a lackluster season, Pittsburgh sees value in his experience and familiarity with their system.

 

A Look at Rudolph’s Career

The Steelers originally drafted Rudolph in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft after trading up with the Seattle Seahawks. He was the sixth quarterback taken that year and was seen as a potential successor to Roethlisberger.

Over the course of his career, Rudolph has accumulated 4,615 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. Though he has never firmly cemented himself as a long-term starter, he has proven to be a reliable backup who can step in when needed.

 

What’s Next for the Steelers?

With Rudolph back in the mix, Pittsburgh now has a veteran quarterback under contract. However, the team’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers remains a major storyline. If Rodgers decides to join the Steelers, Rudolph could serve as a backup or even compete for playing time, depending on Rodgers’ health and performance.

The Steelers’ quarterback situation is still in flux, but bringing back Rudolph provides at least one layer of stability as they navigate a critical offseason.