Exclusive: Steelers Told Veteran QB They’d Like to Have Him Back in 2024
Heading into the 2023 offseason, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph didn’t know if he would have a job next regular season.
He even considered changing careers. There will be no major problems for Rudolph in 2024.
The only question this offseason is who will play next. He could decide to test free agency after his contract expires, or Rudolph and the Steelers could try to seal his return.
It’s unclear what the Steelers plan to do with their QB this offseason, but they’ve apparently told the quarterback they want to stay in Pittsburgh. On the Ramon Foster Show, Rudolph told Foster that Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan wanted him back next season.
“Yes it was good. “We went to see Mike T and Omar … It was really early, like three or four days after our last game, and there were a lot of things that neither of us knew,” Rudolph told his ex teammate. “They wanted me back. When they spoke, I felt they were sincere and wanted to introduce themselves and do business. this is good news. But like you said, there are so many variables and it’s still early and it’s only January so who knows what’s going to happen?
Rudolph asked to renew his contract after the 2023 season. A strong case for a Steelers comeback.
Entering the 2023 NFL season, Rudolph’s career is not guaranteed to continue.
He even considered changing careers. He has had no major problems this season.
The final three games of the 2023 regular season could allow Rudolph to make the roster next season. In Week 16 against the Bengals, Rudolph threw for 290 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The following week, he threw for 274 yards against the Seahawks. He then finished the regular season completing 90 percent of his passes against the Ravens in inclement weather.
He led the team to victory in every game, and his performance ended in a playoff loss to the Bills. The best argument for Rudolph’s return is what he did for George Pickens.
Pickens had two of his best games of the season with Rudolph under center. In Weeks 16 and 17, the sophomore wide receiver had 11 catches for 326 yards and two touchdowns.
Having a QB on the roster that can get the most out of one of their brightest young stars certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing. Rudolph has clearly proven that bringing him back is a move worth considering for the Steelers, but there are still a few things standing in the way.
Potential Obstacles to a Rudolph Return
Rudolph’s late-season success in 2023 and his experience with the Steelers would seem to make him a good fit for the team’s 2024 roster, but there are a few things that could keep him off. The first is money.
Rudolph only made $1 million in 2023, which was a huge amount considering how the season ended. He will get a good salary in 2024.
There will be other teams looking at him as a backup option in the offseason, which will push his price up. If the Steelers are confident that Kenny Pickett will be their player in 2024, they could decide to go for the cheaper option.
Another potential obstacle was raised by Mark Madden on January 22. Bringing Rudolph back could make it difficult for Pickett to be successful next season.
His return opens the door for fans to call for Pickett’s replacement if the young QB struggles. Pickett’s credibility could be damaged, and it could even lead to players in the locker room agreeing with the fans’ opinions, which could become a bigger problem.
If the Steelers are concerned about that possibility, they could also let Rudolph go to Pickett. Another potential obstacle is that you don’t have room for those items on your list.
There is no news that the team is actively looking for a new QB, but they could try to make a move in the offseason. Bringing in a veteran starter would force Pickett to be the backup and leave no room for Rudolph on the depth chart.
As of now, it looks like the team would love to bring him back, but a lot could change once free agency rolls around.
