The Steelers’ quarterback room has become one of the more interesting little pressure points heading into the trade deadline, and Mason Rudolph’s name is now in the mix.
Pittsburgh carried four quarterbacks on its final 53-man roster in August, a setup that made sense at the time but now leaves the team with a surplus at the position. With two veteran options on expiring contracts and two younger quarterbacks developing behind the scenes, the Steelers are in a spot where outside interest could at least force a conversation.
That possibility was enough for ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler to mention Rudolph as a trade candidate ahead of next week’s deadline.
“Quarterback Mason Rudolph,” Fowler wrote. “The Steelers are more likely to bring in players at the deadline.
In fact, I don’t expect Pittsburgh to move anyone. But it has a surplus at quarterback, and should more quarterback injuries occur around the league, perhaps teams call on Rudolph with an attractive offer.”
Rudolph has started only one game over the last two seasons for Pittsburgh, and the idea of moving him remains firmly in the speculative bucket. Fowler made clear he does not expect the Steelers to deal anyone, and it would also be a surprise if Pittsburgh chose to part with a veteran quarterback it knows well and believes can operate the offense if Aaron Rodgers misses time.
Still, the deadline has a way of turning “unlikely” into “worth listening to.” If another team gets desperate because of injuries, Rudolph could become a name to watch.
At 6-2 and alone in first place in the AFC North, the Steelers could be busy over the next few days, with general manager Omar Khan positioned for what could be an active stretch on the trade market.
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