According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not extend an offer to free agent quarterback Mason Rudolph during the 2024 offseason.
Kaboly mentioned on the Joe Starkey Show, as reported by producer Austin Bechtold, that the Steelers had plans to meet with Rudolph’s representatives. However, Rudolph opted to change course when news broke on March 10 about the Steelers signing quarterback Russell Wilson.
Kaboly stated that there was no sense of urgency from the Steelers initially, and they advised Rudolph to wait. However, Rudolph made the decision to not return to the Steelers shortly after the news about Wilson surfaced, with no official offer being presented. Rudolph eventually signed with the Tennessee Titans on March 15.
Steelers Expressed Interest in Resigning Rudolph
The Steelers entered the 2024 offseason with a strong desire to retain Rudolph as their quarterback. After stepping in for an injured Kenny Pickett and replacing backup Mitch Trubisky, Rudolph excelled, winning all three games he started and securing a playoff spot. Despite Pickett’s recovery, coach Mike Tomlin chose Rudolph to start in the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills on January 15.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan expressed the team’s intention to negotiate Rudolph’s return, citing Rudolph’s preference for staying in Pittsburgh and the positive experience they’ve had with him. However, the team’s subsequent decision to sign Wilson led to a series of changes in the quarterback lineup.
Reports suggested that Rudolph’s departure was solidified by the Wilson signing, prompting Pickett to seek a fresh start elsewhere. Subsequently, the Steelers traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, paving the way for the acquisition of Justin Fields on March 16.
Steelers Will Debut a Brand New Look on Offense
The Steelers have undergone significant alterations on offense this offseason beyond just the changes in the quarterback room. On January 30, they brought in Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, to take over as their new offensive coordinator. This move aims to breathe new life into an offense that struggled for consistency under the previous coordinator, Matt Canada.
Smith’s arrival coincides with a reshuffling of the receiving corps. Diontae Johnson, the team’s former top receiver, was traded to the Carolina Panthers on March 13. With Johnson gone, third-year receiver George Pickens is expected to step up as the primary target, although there’s uncertainty about who will fill the secondary role. Among last year’s receivers, only Pickens and Calvin Austin III remain on the roster.
Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have been linked to several free agent receivers. However, their acquisitions so far have focused on adding depth, with Quez Watkins from the Philadelphia Eagles and Van Jefferson from the Los Angeles Rams joining the team.
