Quarterback Mason Rudolph was the final departing member of the 2018 draft group for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph agreed to a 1-year contract with the Tennessee Titans in NFL free agency.
However, Rudolph didn’t depart Pittsburgh silently, He shared a lengthy farewell message on his Instagram account on March 20.
“For the past 6 years, it has been an honor to be part of the Pittsburgh community and represent the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Rudolph stated in an Instagram post. “To my teammates, coaches, staff, Art Rooney, the Rooney family, Thomas Tull, Larry Paul, and the rest of the Steelers organization: Thank you for transforming my life forever six years ago when you gave me the opportunity to wear the Black & Gold.
“To the fans — your love and passion for the team is what makes it so special to play here. I will never forget playing in front of Yinz one final time this past December. All the best.”
Rudolph had a difficult beginning to his NFL career in Pittsburgh. Then for almost four seasons, he hardly played.
But Rudolph finished his time with the Steelers on a positive note, guiding the team on a 3-game winning streak to finish the 2023 regular season. Thanks to that run, the Steelers earned the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Rudolph made completions on 74.3% of his passes with an average of 9.7 yards per attempt. He also scored 3 touchdowns and had zero interceptions in four appearances last season.
Mason Rudolph Bids Farewell to Steelers, Pittsburgh Fans
It’s difficult to imagine a more gracious goodbye from Rudolph, who faced numerous challenges with the Steelers.
Much to the disappointment of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers selected Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. But with Roethlisberger still in his prime, the Steelers didn’t prioritize developing Rudolph during his first season.
As the team’s No. 3 quarterback in 2018, Rudolph didn’t receive many practice opportunities. The Steelers also didn’t have a quarterbacks coach to mentor Rudolph.
In 2019, Rudolph was hurried into the starting lineup when Roethlisberger suffered an elbow injury during Week 2.
Rudolph achieved a 5-3 record as a starter in 2019, but Mike Tomlin benched him for Duck Hodges during his eighth start. Rudolph performed well in his Week 16 return, but he left the game with an injury.
Once Roethlisberger returned in 2020, Rudolph made just six appearances over the following three seasons.
But Rudolph returned to the Steelers on a 1-year contract last offseason. As he did for nearly every game in 2022, Rudolph continued to serve as Pittsburgh’s emergency quarterback until Kenny Pickett needed ankle surgery in December.
Then with Mitch Trubisky struggling, Rudolph stepped into the lineup in Week 15 and made his first start in two years the following week.
That was his final game at Acrisure Stadium as a member of the Steelers.
Projections for Rudolph With Tennessee Titans
To join the Titans, Rudolph accepted a contract that includes $2.7 million guaranteed. Rudolph also received a $1.35 million signing bonus.
The contract includes incentives as well. Rudolph will earn $10,000 per game that he is on the active roster. The deal also included a $750,000 playtime incentive.
Second-string quarterback Will Levis started nine games during his first year in the league last season. He threw He threw 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions but only completed 58.4% of his throws.
Rudolph will probably be the backup for Levis, but he might also get the chance to compete for the starting position in the upcoming season.
Rudolph is He has a record of 8-4-1 as an NFL starter. In 21 games with the Steelers, he threw 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Due to his effective performances at the end of the 2023 regular season, Rudolph increased his career average yards per attempt to 6.7.
