Latest report sheds light on Steelers’ plans for Mason Rudolph
The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing it cool less than one day away from the 53-man roster deadline. For weeks, we've been speculating about the future of third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph. A low cap hit, on-field experience, and strong offseason makes him an enticing option for teams looking for an upgrade at backup quarterback around the […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing it cool less than one day away from the 53-man roster deadline. For weeks, we've been speculating about the future of third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph.
A low cap hit, on-field experience, and strong offseason makes him an enticing option for teams looking for an upgrade at backup quarterback around the NFL. But the Steelers are reportedly "not giving (Rudolph) away even if he's third" per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The Steelers have not been shy about liking Rudolph. So much so that he got the majority of second-team reps over Kenny Pickett throughout the offseason. However, Pelissero's report might be about more than wanting to stick with the quarterback.
Rudolph's role on the team would be very limited behind Trubisky and Pickett. Unless Trubisky exceeds expectations, the first-round rookie looks primed to take over as QB1 at some point in the year. And Mitch – a quarterback with playoff experience – seems a safer bet for the Steelers.
Sure, keeping three quarterbacks is an extraordinary position to be in. Yet it comes off as unnecessary?
If Pickett didn't look even close to ready, I'd get wanting to carry Rudolph as a third QB in case Trubusky went down and you didn't want to jeopardize Pickett's development. But the Steelers future quarterback is clearly closer to being ready than we all expected.
The only takeaway we can get out of Pelissero's report is that Pittsburgh hasn't gotten offers attractive enough for their veteran.
Things will get even more intriguing if the offers don't improve. Is there somebody on the team that warrants releasing Rudolph to open up a spot on the 53-man roster? Or is the team comfortable with being on the hook for Rudolph's $3M in salary? We'll find out.
There are less than 24 hours remaining until Tuesday's deadline at 4 p.m. ET. We'll see if a team wants Rudolph badly enough to give up something like a fourth-rounder.
Featured image via Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
