While all the attention has been on who the Pittsburgh Steelers will sign as their next quarterback, the team also had a need for a backup with Kyle Allen being a free agent and Justin Fields having departed for the New York Jets.
Well, the Steelers have now filled that void. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Steelers are signing Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal.
Of course, Steelers fans are already quite familiar with Rudolph, who was a third-round pick of Pittsburgh in 2018. Rudolph spent the first four years of his career in Pittsburgh, appearing in 21 games (13 starts). He left for a deal with the Tennessee Titans last offseason.
The Steelers have signed a quarterback.
It’s Mason Rudolph, who returns to Pittsburgh on a two-year, $8 million deal, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2025
Just in case you were wondering, this signing will not impact the Steelers’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
“The Steelers remain in the mix for Aaron Rodgers. But they valued Rudolph and want him as part of their QB mix no matter what. So they locked him down before anyone else could,” Garafolo wrote.
In 2024, Rudolph played in eight games and started in five with the Titans. He compiled a lackluster 1-4 record in those five starts, but it’s important to note Tennessee was an absolute dumpster fire last season.
Prior to leaving Pittsburgh, Rudolph replaced Kenny Pickett late in the 2023 season and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs with a strong showing over the final three contests of the campaign. Unfortunately, Rudolph wasn’t able to get Pittsburgh over the hump to a playoff win.
Rudolph has always been well-liked by Steelers fans, so he’ll be welcomed back to Pittsburgh with open arms, especially with the team expected to sign one of two aging quarterbacks. Now, we’ll have to see which one that is.
