The experienced backup could still end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Florio of NBC Sports reports that quarterback Mason Rudolph is being pursued by “several teams” in addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a return is still possible.
Following the signing of Russell Wilson, The Athletic stated that Rudolph’s chances of signing a new deal with the Steelers were slim. Now since there was no likelihood of a rivalry, it seemed he was going somewhere else. As the legal tampering period continues, several clubs are interested in obtaining Rudolph, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo later that day.
As the QB market takes shape over the next few days, indications are Mason Rudolph has interest from several teams. His play down the stretch for the #Steelers has clubs interested in him for a primary backup role.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2024
Florio claims that Pittsburgh still has the option to re-sign their seasoned backup. He wrote :
“With the Steelers planning to sign quarterback Russell Wilson after the Broncos officially release him, many have assumed that the Steelers will move on from veteran backup Mason Rudolph. That might not be the case,”
“Per a league source, Rudolph is still in play for Pittsburgh.”
It’s likely that Rudolph would return to his position as the third string rather than resign in order to face Wilson and Kenny Pickett this summer. That has always seemed like the most likely course of action, but if more money and a bigger role are available somewhere, that may be an alternative if his market doesn’t hold the value he anticipated it would.
Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have maintained communication with Rudolph’s representatives, and they will probably keep doing so as they work to determine a course of action over the coming days. The door is still open as of right now, but how open it is will depend on proposals from other sources.