Mason Rudolph is coming back.
The often maligned former third round draft pick is coming back to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year, $8 million deal.The former Oklahoma State Cowboy returns to the Steel City after a season in Tennessee where he often split time as the starter (1-4 as a starter) with Will Levis.
While Rudolph’s return provides the QB room with some stability and veteran leadership, it must also be asked whether he will finally get his opportunity to be the team’s number one guy. You will recall when he was drafted back in 2018 that he was expected by many to be the immediate guy to follow Ben Roethlisberger.
Most fans, including yours truly, didn’t like his selection. It wasn’t about him or Big Ben as much as it was about selecting a guy with a day two pick that wouldn’t see the field much. In his career, Rudolph has started 18 games throwing 28 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions. Through no fault of his own, Rudolph often found himself at the center of some odd moments.
Whether it was having his facemask removed after being knocked out in a game or when he was very nearly bludgeoned to death by Myles Garrett’s helmet, Rudolph has seemingly never had a fair shake. Now he returns and as of right now, he’s the number one quarterback.
What Rudolph’s return does immediately is at the very least it gives the Steelers an option to start at quarterback. I think that both Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are still largely in play here and either would start over Rudolph. There is also another angle here.
At just $8 million, Rudy would be one of the cheapest starting QBs in the NFL and regardless of whether he plays terribly or lights up and takes the Steelers into the postseason, they would be still be planning for the future at the position. I have to believe that by this time, Rudy knows exactly what he is getting himself into.
The return to Pittsburgh could be the best thing that ever happened to him or it could be repeat of some no-so-desirable times in his career.
