It’s often said that the Pittsburgh Steelers want quarterback Mason Rudolph back in 2024, but a tango requires two people.
If possible, Rudolph would rather sign with another, according to popular belief. Those who think the Steelers have abused him throughout the years are especially fond of this thought.
In actuality, we have no idea what Rudolph is thinking or feeling. Although he says the right things in public, many people think he is angry at the way the Steelers handled his career. Maybe he feels different about it.
It’s possible that every professional athlete feels underappreciated until they are at the peak of their game.
“I think every player owes it to himself to explore the market”, general manager Omar Khan said at the combine earlier. “still a few weeks until the start of the league year. I know we’d like to have him back, and I believe he wants to come back and compete, He likes it here. We’ve had a good experience with Rudolph.”
Rudolph, a third-round selection in 2018, started the 2018 season ranked third among quarterbacks. A year later, he earned the backup position, but Ben Roethlisberger’s injury forced him into the starting lineup. Despite his ups and downs along the way, Devin Hodges eventually won the post. After a while, head coach Mike Tomlin changed his mind and brought Rudolph back, only to get seriously injury. During the last two years of his rookie contract, Rudolph comfortably occupied the number two spot. But he was aware that 2022 would be unique since Roethlisberger would be retiring.
With hopes of starting, he chose to sign a one-year extension. Rather, the Steelers selected Kenny Picket in the first round of the draft and signed Mitch Trubisky as a free agent. Rudolph unexpectedly discovered himself back in the third position on the depth chart, where he stayed until a short while ago. Everyone is aware of how that tale ended. In the end, he took the field for both the season finale and a postseason game, with Pickett suiting up as a backup.
The season ended in that manner, but Rudolph is now free to sign with any team. He can speak with every team and find out what they have to say in less than two weeks. Even If his greatest passion in life is the Pittsburgh Steelers, it would be wise for him to continue looking into employment options. Maybe there’s something out there for Rudolph that’s better opportunity. Maybe not. But he can’t fin out unless he tries. By the same token, even if Rudolph wants to get away from the Steelers, he’s still smart not to burn bridges.
Maybe Pittsburgh still offers him the best chance to grow in his career. There’s already dancing on both sides. It remains to be seen if both parties dance together later this year.