A Look Back at Rudolph's Previous Stint with the Steelers
While Pittsburgh's quarterback situation remains uncertain, the team has managed to add a familiar face. Mason Rudolph will be returning to Pittsburgh on a two-year deal. With Rudolph's Return, I thought it might be interesting to take a look back at Rudolph's prior stint with the Steelers in addition to his lone year outside the organization.
The 2019 Season
Pittsburgh Selected Mason Rudolph with the 76th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Rudolph was quickly thrust into action when Rothlisberger exited a Week Two matchup against the Seattle Seahawks with an elbow injury. Rudolph completed 12 passes on 19 attempts and threw for 112 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 Int to finish the game that resulted in a 26-28 loss. With Rothlisberger out for the season, Rudolph was set to take over. During the next two games, the Rudolph-led Steelers went 1-1. During that stretch, Rudolph played one of his best games of the season against Cincinnati, completing 24 of 28 passes for 229 yards and 2 TDs. Rudolph made his third consecutive start in Week Five against the Ravens before exiting the game with a concussion. Rudolph missed Week 6 but returned to make five more starts before being replaced by quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges. Rudolph ended the season with a 5-3 record as a starter.
2020 & 2021 Seasons
With the Return of Rothlisberger, Rudolph retuned to his backup duties. In 2020, he made his lone start in the the final game of the season with Pittsburgh's playoff seed already decided. Rudolph completed 22 of 39 pass attempts for 315 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 Int in the 22-24 loss to Cleveland. Rudolph's lone start in 2021 resulted in a 16-16 tie with Detroit.
2022 and 2023 Seasons
In 2022 Rudolph did not see any action behind veteran Mitch Trubisky and Rookie Kenny Pickett. Rudolph spent the first thirteen games of the 2023 season inactive before being activated but not playing the following week against the Patriots. Rudolph started the final three regular season games for the Steelers, guiding them to the Playoffs. Rudolph providing a much needed spark to a previously struggling offense despite coming up short in the Wild Card game against Buffalo.
2024
After a few strong starts to finish the 2023 season, Rudolph earned himself a one-year deal with the Titans worth $2.87 million. Rudolph spent time behind second-year quarterback Will Levis in addition to making a few starts of his own. Rudolph finished the 2024 season with a 1-4 record as a starter.
Rudolph's role with the Steelers in 2025 remains to be determined, but regardless, he provides a solid veteran presence and reliable option. In a league full of injuries and uncertainty, you can never have enough guys with starting experience, especially at a position like quarterback.