Steelers Explore QB Options, Including Former Star Mason Rudolph

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are evaluating multiple quarterback options for the upcoming NFL season, including a familiar face, Mason Rudolph. Sources close to the situation indicated that the team has reached out to Rudolph, who previously served as their starting quarterback.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan is reportedly considering Rudolph as a potential backup, given that currently, only Kyle Allen is under contract. The Steelers drafted Rudolph in 2018 with the No. 76 overall pick from Oklahoma State.

Rudolph’s career started slowly; he did not play during his rookie season. However, he stepped in during the 2019 season when then-quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury. In his first appearance against the Seattle Seahawks, Rudolph completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards, recording two touchdowns alongside one interception in a narrow 28-26 loss.

Over the 2019 season, Rudolph played in 10 games, starting eight and achieving a 5-3 record. He faced challenges, including a concussion sustained in a game against the Baltimore Ravens, which sidelined him for one week. After returning, he experienced a notorious on-field altercation with Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and eventually was benched during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

For the next two seasons, Rudolph started in only one game each, and he did not play at all in 2022. However, he returned to the Steelers at the end of the 2023 season, starting three games in place of the injured Kenny Pickett. Over those games, Rudolph led the Steelers to a perfect 3-0 record. Unfortunately, they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round.

After departing the Steelers, Rudolph signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. He appeared in eight games, starting five, and ended the season with a 1-4 record. He completed 64.0% of his passes, throwing for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Alongside evaluating Rudolph, the Steelers are rumored to be interested in other quarterback options, including the recently signed Aaron Rodgers, who secured a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets.