The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that 2022 7th-round draft pick Chris Oladokun has been cut from the team. This was one of the first cuts that had some significance and came as a surprise to many. Oladokun, a rookie out of South Dakota State, had not gotten many reps in camp and also had not seen any action in the team's first two preseason games. Many thought that Oladokun would in fact make the roster in 2022 and that Mason Rudolph would be getting sent out of town. But after the news on Tuesday, that may not be the case. Now fans might be asking, "What does the future hold for Rudolph?"
Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph during Steelers training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Rudolph has started a total of 17 games over three seasons with the black and gold. Eight of which were during his rookie season in 2019 after Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury. He finished 2019 with over 1,700 yards passing, 13 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Rudolph started one game in 2021 where he threw for 242 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a disappointing tie with the Detroit Lions. The disappointing game last year against the Lions is similar to Rudolph's entire tenure thus far in Pittsburgh.
He has had opportunities to shine but just has not capitalized on them.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph (#2), takes reps during the first week of 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
What should the Steelers do with Rudolph?
With the exceptional preseason performances by Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, trade rumors circling Rudolph were beginning to pick up steam. With Rudolph owed $5 million this season, it appeared all but certain he would be getting traded soon, but the cut of Oladokun is telling us the team has other thoughts. The Steelers could still re-sign Oladokun to the practice squad and let Rudolph be the third-string quarterback until another team comes calling.
There is no chance that Rudolph will see the field again for Pittsburgh unless it is due to injury. Although Rudolph has struggled as a starter, he is a tremendous backup and can help many teams fill a need at the second-string spot on the depth chart. There are other teams in the NFL who are desperate for a competent backup quarterback and the fact that Pittsburgh has three on their roster, means that one of them needs to go.
There are a handful of trade options for the Steelers to look at when it comes to dealing Rudolph. I believe the Lions are a perfect fit for him. They have struggled to find their groove with Jared Goff and they do not have a backup that is skilled enough to be starting in the NFL. The New York Jets are another team that comes to mind. The Jets' young quarterback Zach Wilson suffered a knee injury in their preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Wilson is only expected to miss two to four weeks.
The Jets aren't panicking to find a replacement, but Rudolph would be an upgraded option over Mike White or Joe Flacco who are currently battling for the second spot on the depth chart.
In the end, I believe that Pittsburgh dealing Rudolph to another team would make the most sense for both parties. With both Trubisky and Pickett looking like they will be the top two players on the depth chart, playing time for Rudolph looks slim to none. For the Steelers, it does not make sense to pay Rudolph $5 million for this season while they have significant issues on the offensive line that need to be addressed.
I would not be surprised to see the front office trade Rudolph and try to acquire another lineman in return or get a late-round draft pick for 2023. It would also allow the team to use that extra cap space to sign or trade for another lineman. After doing so, they would look elsewhere to find their third-string quarterback or sign back Oladokun to be the third-string quarterback.
What are your thoughts on the future for Rudolph? Do you think Pittsburgh will keep him around or trade him away? If you were the general manager, what would you do? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below or on my Twitter @collinlschmitt.
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