Steelers reportedly 'reluctant' to trade QB Mason Rudolph amid Kenny Pickett rise

While speaking with reporters days ahead of his team's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph sounded like somebody who knew his playing future was up in the air now that he is unquestionably third on the depth chart behind both presumed starter Mitchell Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett. 

"All I care about is this coaching staff right now," Rudolph said about any trade chatter at that time. "(A trade) may be so, but I can’t control it. I don’t try to speculate on that. My teammates and coaches are the opinions I care about. Anything else is water under the bridge." 

On Sunday, Rudolph was given the opportunity to throw the football just three times against the Lions and appeared to be the odd-man out at the position. On Monday afternoon, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Steelers have received trade calls regarding Rudolph but are "reluctant to deal him" at this time: