Hey there, Lykkers! Big news for football fans! Mason Rudolph, the veteran quarterback, is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This time, he's signed a two-year, $8 million contract, with $4.5 million of that guaranteed.
After spending 2024 with the Tennessee Titans, he's back with the team where his NFL journey started.
So, what does this mean for Pittsburgh's quarterback situation? Let's dive in!
Rudolph's Rocky Year in Tennessee
Rudolph had quite the rollercoaster ride in Tennessee during the 2024 season. He spent the year playing musical chairs at quarterback. When Will Levis went down with an injury, Rudolph stepped up as the starter, only to return to the bench when Levis got healthy again.
But then, when coach Brian Callahan had enough of Levis, Rudolph was called back into action. Throughout it all, Rudolph remained steady, though he didn't exactly light up the scoreboard. Still, he gave the offense the stability they desperately needed after the chaos of the Levis situation.
Why Rudolph's Return Makes Sense for the Steelers
The Steelers are currently in a bit of a quarterback limbo, with both of their 2024 starters now off the roster. This is where Rudolph can really be valuable. While he's not expected to compete for the starting role (unless the Steelers don't land another starter), his steady presence could be just what the Steelers need to stabilize their QB room. After all, we've seen how Rudolph can come in and hold things down during a season of uncertainty.
What About Aaron Rodgers? Could He Be Coming to Pittsburgh?
While the Steelers welcome Rudolph back, there's still the possibility that another veteran could join the team—someone like Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP is still making up his mind about whether he'll stay with the Jets or potentially retire. There's also speculation that other teams could be interested in him. So, we'll be keeping our eyes on Rodgers' decision. But until then, the Steelers are preparing for the future by adding a familiar face in Rudolph.
Rudolph's Journey with the Steelers
Mason Rudolph's connection to the Steelers dates back to 2018 when he was drafted in the third round. He spent his rookie year learning under legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. When he finally got his chance to start, it was in 2019, during a wild season where Pittsburgh rotated between quarterbacks. Rudolph played in 10 games, with eight of those being starts, showing some flashes of potential, though it was clear he wasn't the long-term answer to replace Big Ben.
Over the next few years, Rudolph played a backup role. But even in that capacity, he helped the Steelers in crucial moments. In 2023, when the Steelers were on the brink of an unlikely playoff berth, Rudolph helped the team win their last three games and secure that spot. So, while Rudolph wasn't the starter, he was instrumental in getting the team to the postseason.
What's Next for Rudolph in Pittsburgh?
Now, with a year apart, the Steelers are welcoming Rudolph back as a backup. We don't expect him to be the starting quarterback unless the team doesn't find another viable option this offseason. However, his experience and calm demeanor could be a reassuring presence for whichever veteran starts ahead of him. Rudolph's time in Pittsburgh has made him a reliable backup, and as the team faces another period of uncertainty, his return could provide some much-needed stability in the QB room.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Steelers?
As we look to the future, we know that the Steelers are still figuring out what their quarterback situation will look like for 2025. Will it be Aaron Rodgers? Or will it be someone else? For now, Rudolph's return offers the Steelers some much-needed security at quarterback. We'll be watching closely as the offseason unfolds and as Pittsburgh's QB plans become clearer. Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading, Lykkers! This return of Mason Rudolph to Pittsburgh adds an interesting twist to the Steelers' quarterback saga. Do you think he'll play a big role this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
