PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – At one point in 2022, Mason Rudolph was the Steelers unquestioned number one quarterback. As he pointed out laughing, he was the only signed quarterback on the roster at the time.
Since then the Steelers have drafted two quarterbacks, including Kenny Pickett in the first round. They've also added a former number one pick and veteran of 57 NFL games, Mitch Trubisky.
Rudolph waited as Ben Roethlisberger's back-up, throwing for 315 yards at Cleveland in the last game of the 2020 season. Finishing in a tie in an emergency start against Detroit. This was going to be the time for the 2018 third round pick to finally get to be an everyday quarterback in the NFL.
"I don't think it's disappointing," Rudolph said Tuesday. "I think I have a lot still in front of me. Still got an opportunity to compete to be a starter. I'm not disappointed at all. I knew there was always going to be a competition. I knew they were going to bring guys in. I am excited to prepare and practice with my teammates on the field."
Rudolph noted there is competition every year at most positions. Starting his fourth year with the Steelers, he said he's seen a lot of players filter through the team. The roster moves over the last two months has been a motivator for Mason.
"With the opportunity to play this year, everyone is going to be competing and trying to put their best foot forward," Rudolph said. "I'm approaching it with the same mindset as the last four years. Every single day, every single rep I get trying to make the most of it and getting better."
Rudolph said there are a lot of changes to the Matt Canada offense this year without Roethlisberger. He says it suits him well. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native is also trying to be more vocal and take a leadership role, as he relented to Big Ben for his whole career until now. The now underdog to win the starting job, he is anxious to show what he's learned and how he believes his experience around his teammates and coaches the last few years will help him.
"I'm more excited," Rudolph said. "The last four years you knew there was a Hall of Fame quarterback ahead of you. You were developing, getting better at your position doing everything you can to be ready in case your number is called. Obviously, it's a little more realistic this year that it will be called. Added excitement."
We are still a few months from a conclusion as Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, 'nobody is going to win a job or lose a job out here in shorts in May'. Rudolph is just looking for fair competition for that job he's been waiting for his whole life.
