Mason Rudolph on return to Steelers: 'Never say never in this league'

Mason Rudolph didn’t expect to return to Pittsburgh after becoming a free agent, but he’s back with the Steelers for another go-round.

After entering NFL Free Agency looking for a fresh start, and potentially a chance to start with another franchise, Rudolph ended up signing a one-year deal with the Steelers earlier this month. Evidently, the signal-caller never closed the door on a potential return to the franchise, even if it seemed unlikely at times.

“Never say never in this league,” Rudolph said, via Joe Rutter of triblive.com.

The former Oklahoma State star has started 10 games throughout his NFL career in Pittsburgh, something he hoped was going to change this season, but it now seems unlikely.

Eight of his starts came in 2019 filling in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger. He led the Steelers to a 5-3 record, throwing for 1,765 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 62.2% passing. Rudolph has featured sparingly in recent years, making zero appearances during the 2022 season. 

Continuing, Rudolph completed 26-of-36 passes for 220 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in his first two preseason appearances last season. Prior to the final preseason tilt, he expressed his displeasure with the lack of first-team reps leading up to the season.

No team offered Rudolph the chance to come in and compete for their starting gig, so the Steelers called to “check the temperature” on his situation. Afterwards, it turned into the quarterback’s return to the one franchise he’s known thus far in the NFL.

“I hadn’t really thought about [returning],” Rudolph explained. “I mean, I had thought about it, but I can’t say I was seriously considering it. As time went on, I was sitting there. I didn’t really want to continue to wait. It was a long wait already.

“Here, you know the offense; you know the system. I felt pretty confident I’d have gotten some opportunity at a camp with a team who didn’t draft a rookie quarterback or a team that had a guy who didn’t impress. But you’re never guaranteed anything.”

With Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky already slotted in as the Steelers’ top two quarterbacks, Rudolph will likely be Pittsburgh’s No. 3 in 2023. It’s not the worst place to be, and perhaps Rudolph can reassess the situation next year.

Nevertheless, Mason Rudolph’s return should help the Steelers this season, as it strengthens their quarterback room. Pittsburgh obviously has some adulation for Rudolph, and he’ll spend at least one more season with the franchise.