New Steelers Quarterback Rumor Suggests Mason Rudolph Could Be Returning To Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base will always have a special place in their hearts for former quarterback Mason Rudolph. Drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Steelers initially hoped Rudolph would have the chance to develop behind veteran Ben Roethlisberger and eventually take over the reins as the franchise quarterback. After the 2023 season, Rudolph signed a one-year deal worth $2.87 million to join the Tennessee Titans, hoping to secure a more prominent role in their offense. However, things never quite panned out as expected.

Now a free agent, Rudolph’s future is uncertain, but recent rumors suggest a potential reunion between him and the Steelers. Rudolph spent time with the Titans in 2024, where he had his moments, passing for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. While there were flashes of promise, it became clear that Rudolph isn’t quite ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, which likely explains why the Titans are considering moving on from him.

The Steelers’ quarterback situation remains murky, but changes are expected in the near future. With the team actively searching for a new starter and depth behind center, rumors of the Steelers pursuing quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson have been gaining traction. 

If there’s any truth to the speculation about a Rudolph reunion, it could mean bringing him back on a cost-effective deal to provide additional depth to the quarterback room. While unlikely to be the starter, Rudolph could once again find a role in the Steel City, offering experience and leadership in a backup capacity.

The speculation surrounding Rudolph’s potential return to the Steelers centers on the idea of him being brought back in a backup role. The Steelers are reportedly considering this move as a smart decision, given the high likelihood that they’ll have an older quarterback at the helm for the 2025 season. 

With both Wilson and Rodgers having faced significant injuries in recent seasons—injuries that forced them to miss valuable time—the Steelers could see this as a way to add some much-needed stability to their quarterback room. The concerns around the quarterbacks’ age and injury history make the need for a reliable backup even more pressing. It feels like the starter is going to be either Wilson or Rodgers and soon Steeler Nation will find out.

This potential move could prove beneficial for both sides. The Steelers would gain some much-needed security at the backup quarterback position and bring back a familiar face to the locker room. Rudolph may not have lit the world on fire when given opportunities in the past, but he hasn’t been terrible either. 

Steelers Could Benefit From Bringing Back Quarterback Mason Rudolph

He has displayed flashes of potential, but his inconsistency has held him back from truly impressing coaches and earning a more prominent role. While Rudolph boasts a strong arm, his biggest struggle has been his tendency to turn the ball over too frequently, a critical flaw for any quarterback hoping to rise through the ranks in the NFL.

For Rudolph, a return to Pittsburgh could offer a fresh start in a less demanding role, where he could develop further under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and the rest of the Steelers' coaching staff. With the team potentially in need of depth at the quarterback position, Rudolph might find a renewed sense of purpose and an opportunity to prove himself once again—this time as a valuable backup rather than any real pressure to ever be the starter. Steelers fans would likely love to see Rudolph back for the right price.

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