Everyone thought that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph was a player who was absolutely going to part ways with the team in 2023 free agency. Not so fast, however. Many believe the relationship may be broken between the signal-caller and the franchise that drafted him, but if the team decides Mitch Trubisky's cap hit of over $10 million is too much for 2023, could the franchise decide to re-sign Rudolph to be the second quarterback on the depth chart?
Don't close the door on that scenario playing out. Rudolph is reportedly not 100% done with Pittsburgh just yet.
According to Tim Benz of the Tribune-Live, a source texted him recently to tell him that Rudolph could indeed be back in the black and gold for at least another season. It really will come down to what the organization decided to do with Trubisky, but the former third-round pick is keeping his options open.
"Rudolph’s primary goal is to explore his options outside of Pittsburgh. However, he wouldn’t ‘close the door unnecessarily’ on another contract with the Steelers," Benz wrote based on his source's information.
It's hard to believe Rudolph would want to return after only being active for one game in 2022 and as the most tenured quarterback on the roster, was slotted as third on the depth chart for the entire season. But, it's wise of him to keep all options on the table in case there isn't much opportunity anywhere else.
Benz also heard that the Steelers are open to trading Trubisky if they find the right partner because he may be looking for a new beginning somewhere else.
"That same source also told me it is their belief that the Steelers would be willing to trade Trubisky if they can get some value in return. It’s also their hunch that Trubisky wouldn’t balk at the idea of a fresh start elsewhere as well."
This doesn't necessarily mean, however, that Rudolph is all in on coming back. According to Benz, if he had two like offers (let's say... from a Super Bowl contender) from Pittsburgh and a different franchise, he would be packing his bags and heading out of town.
"The sense I got was that if it came down to a 50-50 choice between equal offers from ‘Team X’ as the No. 2 quarterback and the Steelers as the No. 2 quarterback, Rudolph would likely lean toward Team X for a fresh start."
Steelers’ Continued Relationship With Rudolph Unlikely, But Possible
It's definitely interesting that Rudolph would want to return in any capacity, even if he doesn't have too many options in other places. Pittsburgh gave him the short end of the stick when bringing in Trubisky and didn't give him a chance to earn the starting spot in 2022. However, he knows the system and if Trubisky ends up being released or traded, he could be the perfect veteran option to backup Kenny Pickett.
Time will tell and it should be expected that Rudolph will move on, but if he truly loves the city and is in line to be the primary backup, it's possible he returns.
Would you want Rudolph back as the #2 quarterback in 2023?
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