So, what the Steelers couldn’t bring their 2-time Super Bowl Champion QB Ben Roethlisberger to put an end to their QB drama? At least they are bringing someone who was touted to be the next ‘Big Ben’. Going from Matthew Stafford, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and even Aaron Rodgers, for God’s sake. The Steelers don’t fail to surprise us when it comes to their QB room. Out of nowhere, they are bringing the failed heir apparent to Roethlisberger as their first QB signing for the season.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo just announced a Steel City reunion for Mike Tomlin. His former third-round pick in 2018, QB Mason Rudolph has agreed to a 2-year, $8M contract with $4.5M in guarantees. This marks the return of Rudolph who was apparently mulling multiple offers but ended up choosing his former home. Apart from getting hit with his own helmet by Browns DE Myles Garrett, Rudolph’s most memorable moment came in 2023.

What started off as a 3rd string QB year behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky soon turned out to be something special. The moment Pickett got hurt and Trubisky faltered, Rudolph was pushed into the starting lineup. And guess what? He helped the Steelers not only snap a 3-game losing streak. Rudolph finished his last regular season in Pittsburgh going 3-0 as a starter. Well, that sudden change of fortunes also helped the Steelers sneak into the playoffs. However, that dream run didn’t last long. See Pickett had already recovered from his high ankle sprain, but since Rudolph was balling out, the Steelers decided why not stick with him.

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And that was the beginning of the end of Rudolph’s first chapter in Steel City. He couldn’t help the Steelers get through the Bills in the Wildcard round as they lost 31-17. So, despite the Steelers clearly stating they want to keep Rudolph, he was ignored for none other than Russell Wilson. Mason went to the Music City, started 5 games with them, going 1-4 as a starter, and now has again found himself back where it all started.

It’s like a full circle for Rudolph who might be a backup again in Steel City. This time it could be either Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. Well, actually, the chances of playing backup to Russ are lower than that of Rodgers. Recent reports suggest Wilson is taking trips to New York and Cleveland in hopes of finding a new home.

Is Russell Wilson’s tenure as a Steeler over in just one year?

See it was the Steelers who decided to take a gamble on Russ last season, signing him to a one-year veteran contract. With Justin Fields starting the season because of Wilson’s calf injury, his Steelers chapter already had dark clouds hovering over it. Actually, it became worse when Fields managed to help the Steelers to a 4-2 start. But against all odds, Tomlin decided to go lone ranger and drop Fields in favor of Wilson. Getting bashed for the decision, those criticisms stopped for a while when Wilson led them to 6 wins out of 7.

One win away from the AFC North title and playoffs already secured, the Steelers castle caught fire. 5-game losing streak and just like that their campaign turned into a Game of Thrones season 8. Early success was overlooked and what remained in the memory was the negatives. Maybe that’s why the Steelers are still having second thoughts on giving Wilson another year. Seeing the Steelers’ lack of effort in signing him was a 10th Pro Bowl year, Wilson is not taking any chances. He has set up meetings with the Browns and the Giants in hopes of continuing his NFL career.

So, only time will tell whether he will remain as a Steeler. Or is it time for him to call himself a Giant or a member of the Dawg Pound. Surely, wherever he lands in his 14th year in the NFL—Wilson wouldn’t be interested in playing as a backup after showing that he clearly has enough on his tank to keep Mr. Unlimited functioning.