Steelers Could Make Foolish Mason Rudolph Decision Despite Trade Interest

The Pittsburgh Steelers have four quarterbacks they could reasonably justify keeping on their 53-man roster. However, carrying Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar would force the organization to sacrifice valuable depth elsewhere. 

Pittsburgh could instead keep three quarterbacks on the active roster and attempt to bring the fourth back on the practice squad. Rudolph would not be subject to waivers as a vested veteran, but he would become free to sign with any team before potentially returning. 

During his Thursday morning appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly was asked by Bob Pompeani whether Pittsburgh could place Rudolph on its practice squad. Kaboly immediately dismissed that possibility.

"No, I don't think so," Kaboly said. "First of all, I don't think they would disrespect him like that. I just think if it came down to that for some odd reason, I think they would just say, 'Thanks, Mason,' and release him."

That would be a questionable way for the Steelers to handle an experienced quarterback who may possess legitimate trade value. Rudolph has received numerous opportunities from Pittsburgh since the organization selected him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Steelers have remained loyal to him through difficult stretches, his departure for the Tennessee Titans and his eventual return. That history does not mean Pittsburgh should release him for nothing if the quarterback room becomes too crowded.

There is already speculation about a possible destination. ESPN Radio New York personality Jake Asman recently suggested that the New York Jets could consider calling Pittsburgh about Rudolph. The Jets currently have veteran Geno Smith starting ahead of rookie Cade Klubnik, but their depth behind Smith remains uncertain.

"The Jets could be in the market for a veteran QB... Mason Rudolph's name has come up," Asman said. 

That does not confirm New York has contacted Pittsburgh or expressed genuine interest. It does, however, identify the type of team that could value Rudolph once quarterback injuries and depth concerns develop across the league. Rudolph has made 19 regular-season starts and understands how to operate an NFL offense. He may never become a long-term franchise quarterback, but reliable backups with meaningful starting experience carry value. The Steelers should not simply surrender that asset because their quarterback room became inconvenient.

Even a conditional seventh-round pick would be better business than releasing Rudolph outright. Pittsburgh could potentially land a sixth-round selection if multiple teams become interested or another quarterback suffers an injury before the regular season. The Steelers also have time. Howard and Allar will handle the quarterback responsibilities during Friday's preseason game against the Jets, giving Mike McCarthy an extended opportunity to evaluate both young players. Their performances could help determine whether Pittsburgh truly needs Rudolph as insurance behind the 42-year-old Rodgers. 

Steelers May Keep 4 QBs After All

Keeping all four quarterbacks may ultimately be the safest decision. Rodgers' age makes proven depth particularly important, while Howard and Allar each represent a possible piece of Pittsburgh's future. If the Steelers decide four quarterbacks are one too many, though, they must explore every possible trade before saying goodbye to Rudolph. Releasing a veteran who could help another team, especially when interest may already be developing, would be unnecessarily careless.

Pittsburgh has invested too much time in Rudolph to receive absolutely nothing on his way out. If another team values his experience, Pittsburgh should capitalize and recover an asset. Even a late-round selection could eventually become more valuable than an avoidable, empty farewell to Rudolph now.

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