Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is currently slotted as the team’s starting quarterback, but that could change in an instant if four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers eventually signs.
If Rodgers takes over as the starter, it will be nothing new for Rudolph. He’s been through a ton of adversity in his seven-year NFL career, and often overlooked.
“That’s nothing new to me, there has been constant noise,” Rudolph said on Tuesday at the first day of Steelers’ organized team activities. “That is the nature of the NFL. I’ve been used to that for a long time. Do nothing but be the best I can be and help our team get better this spring.”
To say the least, Rudolph had a rocky season with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. He went 1-4 as a starter and Tennessee finished a disastrous 3-14.
In total, Rudolph played in eight games. On the season, he completed 64.0% of his passes for 1,530 yards with nine touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a passer rating of 55.5.
After one season in Nashville, Rudolph is thrilled to be back in the Steel City.
“I just think it’s a special place,” Rudolph said. “I’ve got a lot of great friends and teammates. A lot of comfortability with Mike (Tomlin) and the staff. Omar (Khan) has put together a great roster. Who would not want to be a part of this team and this offense? It’s been a fun couple of months back.”
In six seasons with Pittsburgh, Rudolph completed 63.5% of his passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 86.9.
In 2023, Rudolph started the final three games of the regular season after Kenny Pickett was lost to a high-ankle sprain and Mitchell Trubisky struggled in his limited action.
Rudolph responded with the best play of his career, completing 55 of 75 passes (74.3%) for 719 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while leading Pittsburgh to three straight victories and a playoff spot.
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is confident that Rudolph will deliver if his number is called this season.
“I love Mason,” Freiermuth said. “He’s a hell of a guy, hell of a teammate. Great locker room guy. What was it, two years ago we needed to win three games in a row to make it to the playoffs. He stood in the pocket and delivered for us. We got all the faith in him.”
Alan Saunders and Brendan How provided reporting from Pittsburgh
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Mason Rudolph Controlling What He Can Control Amid Steelers Wait on Aaron Rodgers: ‘Nothing New to Me’
