Pittsburgh Steelers Bring Back QB Mason Rudolph On 2-Year Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a busy offseason. They made one of the biggest moves of the year, trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf and giving him a massive extension. The front office has also been remaking the secondary, bringing in savvy veterans like Super Bowl champion Darius Slay. However, the biggest question is still the quarterback position. Russell Wilson remains unsigned, but Justin Fields has already agreed to a deal with the New York Jets. The team is adding to the room by bringing back an old friend, Mason Rudolph.
Pittsburgh Steelers Sign QB Mason Rudolph
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports it is a two-year, $8 million deal with $4.5 million guaranteed. Garafolo indicates Mason Rudolph had many offers on the table, including a return to Tennessee. However, he decided to return to the Steel City, where he played for four seasons. The former third-round pick made quite a few starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers during his tenure. In 13 starts, he went 8-4-1, throwing for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Regardless of who the Pittsburgh Steelers sign to be the starter, they have a quality backup who knows the organization well. While the offensive coordinator is different, Rudolph knows most of the coaching staff and how the organization runs. It speaks to how well the organization is run that a player wants to return. Rudolph was hoping to compete for the starting job in Tennessee, but the team now is moving in a different direction with the number one overall pick.
Who Will Start At QB?
Having a quality backup quarterback is great. However, the team is running out of options. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are the two best options on the market right now, and neither of them is amazing. This year’s quarterback class is weak, and the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t in a position to move up, especially since they sent premium draft capital to pick up Metcalf. It seems more likely they will go the veteran route.
Mike Tomlin has shown he can take subpar quarterback play to the playoffs. This team still has one of the best defensive players in the league, TJ Watt. George Pickens and Metcalf can make things happen whenever they touch the ball. If the quarterback play is slightly above average, this team could be just fine. Regardless of what happens, they have a quality backup signed.
