The composition of the Steelers’ quarterback group is poised to undergo changes following the anticipated departure of Mitch Trubisky. As reported by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the team is inclined to retain backup quarterback Mason Rudolph as they move forward.
In contrast to Trubisky, Rudolph’s potential departure stems from free agency. Selected in the third round of the 2018 draft, Rudolph has completed his initial rookie contract along with two subsequent one-year extensions. Although Rudolph saw significant playing time early in his career, starting eight games in 2019, his starting opportunities have been limited in the subsequent four years.
During the 2019 season, when starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sidelined due to injury, Rudolph led the Steelers to five victories in eight starts. However, following a contentious on-field altercation with Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Rudolph was benched in favor of Devlin Hodges. Rudolph’s next start didn’t occur until the conclusion of the 2020 season and again in 2021 as a COVID-19 replacement for Roethlisberger. In the 2022 season, Rudolph served as the third-string quarterback behind Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett.
Rudolph’s significant playing time in the 2023 season came amidst the Steelers’ offensive struggles. With Pickett sidelined due to injury, Rudolph replaced Trubisky during a game against the Colts in Week 14 and subsequently started the following two games as the backup to the injured Pickett. When Pickett was cleared to play in the regular season finale against the Ravens, the Steelers opted to continue with Rudolph, resulting in a victory that secured their playoff berth. Rudolph was again named the starter for the Wild Card game against the Bills.
Rudolph’s success towards the end of the season prompted questions about why he wasn’t utilized earlier during the team’s offensive struggles throughout the year. According to Dulac, this sentiment has caused internal division within the Steelers’ organization, with some advocating for Rudolph to start the 2024 season. However, retaining Rudolph would be contingent upon re-signing him, which appears to be the team’s objective.
With Rudolph and Pickett identified as the primary contenders for the quarterback position, the Steelers are reportedly uninterested in acquiring a quarterback seeking a starting role. This effectively rules out potential candidates like Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins, and possibly Russell Wilson, as well as high-profile rookie quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. While the team may pursue veteran backup options, their current focus is on securing Rudolph, alongside Pickett, for the upcoming season.
