The 28-year-old Steelers quarterback is set to his free agency this off season. During his four starts to close out the 2024 season, Rudolph combined for 945 yards and a five to one touchdown to interception ratio. With having a great run to end the season here is what could be next for Mason Rudolph.
Backup QBs in 2024
2023 was the year of backup quarterbacks, franchise QBs were ridiculed with injuries, leading to a record high of backups to start. This gave way to guys like Josh Dobbs, Tommy Devito, Jake Browning, Gardener Minshew, Joe Flacco, along with Mason Rudolph. Teams realized that having a good backup quarterback is very important, unless you want to be the 2023 New York Jets, and throw away the season a couple games in.
There are very many quarterback needy teams heading into the 2024 off season, and only a handful of said teams are going to draft their future starter. Some teams could be looking for more of a bridge quarterback or some competition for their current starter.
Mason Rudolph’s future
With the only QB on the Steelers roster being Kenny Pickett, there is a very good chance Pittsburgh brings Rudolph back for a quarterback competition to start in 2024. With rumors swirling that the Steelers will bring in a guy like Russel Wilson, or make a trade for Justin Feilds, Rudolph might not have a roster spot on the Steeler and could sign elsewhere.
What teams could use Mason Rudolph?
The New York Jets: With Zach Wilson likely being traded, the Jets do not have a backup QB behind Aaron Rodgers. Mason Rudolph would be a great backup for the jets as they try to go all in to win the super bowl.
Tennessee Titans: Ryan Tannehill leaving in the offseason, it could help to add a veteran like Rudolph to help Levis develop into a top 15 quarterback in the NFL.
Denver Broncos: The broncos are in a very bad spot, with the release of Russel Wilson, and taking on a ton of dead cap, along with not have a top pick to select a QB in the draft. Denver could look to sign a guy like Rudolph to start for a year before trying to get their next franchise QB.
Minnesota Vikings: It looks like Kirk Cousins could be leaving in free agency, and similar to the broncos they do not have a top pick to take a QB. With a great offence Rudolph could be a plug and play for the Vikings in 2024.
Will Mason Rudolph be a starter in 2024, let us know what you think. Follow me on X @ChaseGrimm9, and for all things NFL and NCAA football check out more from Gridiron Heroics.