Rudolph Status

[Deebo]

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but if they had intentions of bringing MR back wouldn't this contract have been done by now?

Either the team (Tomlin) doesn't want him back OR
MR doesn't want to be back

Guess it could also be both...

[Jobu]

Both Rudolph and the Steelers FO have said that he will see what’s out there in free agency.

[Deebo]

Both Rudolph and the Steelers FO have said that he will see what’s out there in free agency.

Thanks...I must have missed that

[K_C_]

Just personally, I believe both parties want to move on.

Sure, if Rudolph can't find anyone interested then the Steelers would happily talk to him, but Mason played really good football at the end of the season and he will have plenty of opportunities for, at the very least, a very nice backup QB contract.

Maybe an opportunity to be the bridge QB in a few places like New England and Washington.

Again, just my personal opinion but I think the Steelers are 100% dead set on giving Kenny this season, with a real NFL level OC, to make major strides forward and show serious progress, or they will move on in 2025. I think Mason understands this completely and believes he'll have better opportunities elsewhere and I think the Steelers probably agree with him.

I don't believe for one second the Steelers will trade for Justin Fields or will sign somebody like Russell Wilson. If they sign a veteran, it will be a guy like Tannehill who is a willing mentor and knows Arthur Smith's offense like the back of his hand. Tannehill can also win you some games if Kenny doesn't show the required progress.

.......but as I have also said, folks here completely ruling out a first round QB just might end up being surprised. With guys like Penix Jr. and Bo Nix very possibly sitting there at 20, no way I rule out the Steelers bringing in serious competition for Kenny.

Cool Shades was very clear that Kenny would have actual competition for the starting job and no, i don't think that competition will come from a veteran..

[CoolShades]

Just personally, I believe both parties want to move on.

Sure, if Rudolph can't find anyone interested then the Steelers would happily talk to him, but Mason played really good football at the end of the season and he will have plenty of opportunities for, at the very least, a very nice backup QB contract.

Maybe an opportunity to be the bridge QB in a few places like New England and Washington.

Again, just my personal opinion but I think the Steelers are 100% dead set on giving Kenny this season, with a real NFL level OC, to make major strides forward and show serious progress, or they will move on in 2025. I think Mason understands this completely and believes he'll have better opportunities elsewhere and I think the Steelers probably agree with him.

I don't believe for one second the Steelers will trade for Justin Fields or will sign somebody like Russell Wilson. If they sign a veteran, it will be a guy like Tannehill who is a willing mentor and knows Arthur Smith's offense like the back of his hand. Tannehill can also win you some games if Kenny doesn't show the required progress.

.......but as I have also said, folks here completely ruling out a first round QB just might end up being surprised. With guys like Penix Jr. and Bo Nix very possibly sitting there at 20, no way I rule out the Steelers bringing in serious competition for Kenny.

Cool Shades was very clear that Kenny would have actual competition for the starting job and no, i don't think that competition will come from a veteran..

I just don’t see them drafting a QB until day 3 (if at all) this season. If they are giving Kenny the year (and I believe they are), they are going to do everything possible to help him succeed. That means a new right tackle and a new center at the minimum.

Why would they waste another 1st round draft pick on a QB in round 1 this season? No, if they draft a QB in the 1st round, it will be next season at the earliest.

My prediction: they sign Tannehill who will be happy to make a few million standing on the sidelines and mentoring Kenny in the Smith offense. They will draft a QB in the 6th-7th round, or find a UFA arm or two for camp. Maybe they find someone on a
practice squad somewhere. But IMO, Kenny’s main competition this year is himself. The Steelers don’t want him looking over his shoulder, worried about losing the starting job. That’s why Mason is gone.

Time will tell.

[K_C_]

Just personally, I believe both parties want to move on.

Sure, if Rudolph can't find anyone interested then the Steelers would happily talk to him, but Mason played really good football at the end of the season and he will have plenty of opportunities for, at the very least, a very nice backup QB contract.

Maybe an opportunity to be the bridge QB in a few places like New England and Washington.

Again, just my personal opinion but I think the Steelers are 100% dead set on giving Kenny this season, with a real NFL level OC, to make major strides forward and show serious progress, or they will move on in 2025. I think Mason understands this completely and believes he'll have better opportunities elsewhere and I think the Steelers probably agree with him.

I don't believe for one second the Steelers will trade for Justin Fields or will sign somebody like Russell Wilson. If they sign a veteran, it will be a guy like Tannehill who is a willing mentor and knows Arthur Smith's offense like the back of his hand. Tannehill can also win you some games if Kenny doesn't show the required progress.

.......but as I have also said, folks here completely ruling out a first round QB just might end up being surprised. With guys like Penix Jr. and Bo Nix very possibly sitting there at 20, no way I rule out the Steelers bringing in serious competition for Kenny.

Cool Shades was very clear that Kenny would have actual competition for the starting job and no, i don't think that competition will come from a veteran..

I just don’t see them drafting a QB until day 3 (if at all) this season. If they are giving Kenny the year (and I believe they are), they are going to do everything possible to help him succeed. That means a new right tackle and a new center at the minimum.

Why would they waste another 1st round draft pick on a QB in round 1 this season? No, if they draft a QB in the 1st round, it will be next season at the earliest.

My prediction: they sign Tannehill who will be happy to make a few million standing on the sidelines and mentoring Kenny in the Smith offense. They will draft a QB in the 6th-7th round, or find a UFA arm or two for camp. Maybe they find someone on a
practice squad somewhere. But IMO, Kenny’s main competition this year is himself. The Steelers don’t want him looking over his shoulder, worried about losing the starting job. That’s why Mason is gone.

Time will tell.

I agree with everything you wrote and your scenario is very, very likely the way it will play out, but..........

This is said to be a deeper class for centers than expected and they could very easily find a major upgrade to Mason Cole as late as the third round. You can get a starting RT in the second round. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Steelers trade Diontae Johnson for a 2nd rounder. Some team will be dumb enough to believe the guy won't fuck them when it matters most. The Steelers could land DJ's replacement there or maybe they make an unexpected big splash for a guy like Tee Higgins? I wouldn't rule it out. If the Steelers can land a starting WR in free agency (I know I'm dreaming) maybe that pick for DJ could go towards a starting corner opposite JPJ or the next Keanu Benton?

I just keep going back to Cool Shades very emphatically saying that Kenny Pickett would have real competition for the starting job this season and I don't think that is going to be Ryan Tannehill. He is no longer looked upon as an NFL starter. He's a backup/mentor now.

......but a guy like Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr.? That sends a message to Kenny Pickett to take your game to the next level right now or be fucking replaced.

I could be wrong, but I think the Steelers see what a team like the Packers did, even while Aaron Rodgers was still playing great. They drafted a first round QB.

Look how that's turned out for Green Bay and while I believe Kenny can turn his career around, A Penix Jr. or Nix could be on the field much sooner than Jordan Love was.

[RemoAZ]

It's just amazing this turd gets so much discussion here. Have our standards really dropped as low as Tomlin's? No wonder Rooney feels no need to field a contender.

[Gonzo]

I will vomit, throw the tv out the window and burn jerseys if they draft penix or nix in the first round

[Jobu]

I will vomit, throw the tv out the window and burn jerseys if they draft penix or nix in the first round

Your TV and jerseys are safe.

[steelmann58]

I agree no way Phenix or Nix will be our 1st rounder

[K_C_]

I agree no way Phenix or Nix will be our 1st rounder

Yeah, if Kenny doesn't take the next step, I'm sure a future star QB will fall into our lap next year.

[Deebo]

Just personally, I believe both parties want to move on.

Sure, if Rudolph can't find anyone interested then the Steelers would happily talk to him, but Mason played really good football at the end of the season and he will have plenty of opportunities for, at the very least, a very nice backup QB contract.

Maybe an opportunity to be the bridge QB in a few places like New England and Washington.

Again, just my personal opinion but I think the Steelers are 100% dead set on giving Kenny this season, with a real NFL level OC, to make major strides forward and show serious progress, or they will move on in 2025. I think Mason understands this completely and believes he'll have better opportunities elsewhere and I think the Steelers probably agree with him.

I don't believe for one second the Steelers will trade for Justin Fields or will sign somebody like Russell Wilson. If they sign a veteran, it will be a guy like Tannehill who is a willing mentor and knows Arthur Smith's offense like the back of his hand. Tannehill can also win you some games if Kenny doesn't show the required progress.

.......but as I have also said, folks here completely ruling out a first round QB just might end up being surprised. With guys like Penix Jr. and Bo Nix very possibly sitting there at 20, no way I rule out the Steelers bringing in serious competition for Kenny.

Cool Shades was very clear that Kenny would have actual competition for the starting job and no, i don't think that competition will come from a veteran..

Agree with all of that and I also believe they'll basically give KP another year as the starter.

So who will the Steelers sign? My money is on Tannehill (A Smith connection) or Tyrod Taylor (Virginia connection). They'll again take a 7th round flyer on some random dude who they'll likely cut

[Steeldrama]

I will vomit, throw the tv out the window and burn jerseys if they draft penix or nix in the first round

That was my reaction when the Steelers drafted Kenny.

His selection ruined the rest of the draft for me that weekend.

I couldn't understand how people paid to do nothing but evaluate football players could reach the conclusion that Kenny was going to be a quality NFL quarterback.

Like the loyal diehard Steelers fan I WAS, I tried to give Kenny a chance.

Lotta good that did me.

I don't hate Kenny

Not his fault the Steelers grossly misjudged his abiltiy.

But I do have an unhealthy dislike for the powers that be who drafted him.

I don't THINK the Steelers will make the same mistake with Penix, but nothing they do or don't do remotely surprises me anymore.

Anyway, my transplant hometown Braves season begins in 3 short weeks.

College football season a significantly longer wait.

The Steelers under Rooney and Tomlin are no longer anywhere near the top of my sports priority list and it sorta saddens me.

[jebrick]

Colbert last 2 drafts dumped on the Steelers. He should not had a say in the pick once he announced he was retiring.

The scary thing is Penix has more ability than KP. He will be another less than mobile QB that will get killed in the NFL. with his medicals and mechanical issues, he should be a 2nd rounder. someone will reach into the back of the 1st round for him.

[Stallworth16]

In 4 regular season games, Rudolph had a QB rating off 118.0 which led the league, 3 TD, 0 int.
In one playoff game, he threw for 229 yds, 2 TD, 1 int.

Bottom line, Mason played too well for the Steelers to keep him. We require far more mediocrity than that.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xpFX7o56cV8

[Dan Smith--BYU]

There is no better QB in the draft than Rudolph, if you're picking in the bottom half of the order.

Grovel and sign him.

[bradshaw2ben]

Just personally, I believe both parties want to move on.

Sure, if Rudolph can't find anyone interested then the Steelers would happily talk to him, but Mason played really good football at the end of the season and he will have plenty of opportunities for, at the very least, a very nice backup QB contract.

Maybe an opportunity to be the bridge QB in a few places like New England and Washington.

Again, just my personal opinion but I think the Steelers are 100% dead set on giving Kenny this season, with a real NFL level OC, to make major strides forward and show serious progress, or they will move on in 2025. I think Mason understands this completely and believes he'll have better opportunities elsewhere and I think the Steelers probably agree with him.

I don't believe for one second the Steelers will trade for Justin Fields or will sign somebody like Russell Wilson. If they sign a veteran, it will be a guy like Tannehill who is a willing mentor and knows Arthur Smith's offense like the back of his hand. Tannehill can also win you some games if Kenny doesn't show the required progress.

.......but as I have also said, folks here completely ruling out a first round QB just might end up being surprised. With guys like Penix Jr. and Bo Nix very possibly sitting there at 20, no way I rule out the Steelers bringing in serious competition for Kenny.

Cool Shades was very clear that Kenny would have actual competition for the starting job and no, i don't think that competition will come from a veteran..

Agree with all of that and I also believe they'll basically give KP another year as the starter.

So who will the Steelers sign? My money is on Tannehill (A Smith connection) or Tyrod Taylor (Virginia connection). They'll again take a 7th round flyer on some random dude who they'll likely cut

As an expert in 7th round flyer/random dudes who are QB prospects, I can honestly say this is not the year. Maybe there are a couple of guys if a squint who I think will be available 7th or UDFA who *might* be worth a look. However, I think there are multiple guys in the minor leagues who would be better for that purpose-- and they're better than almost everyone in this class late.

[cop1211]

I don’t see them drafting a QB until the 6Th or 7th round.
Maybe the FSU qb in the 4th.

[Deebo]

Just personally, I believe both parties want to move on.

Sure, if Rudolph can't find anyone interested then the Steelers would happily talk to him, but Mason played really good football at the end of the season and he will have plenty of opportunities for, at the very least, a very nice backup QB contract.

Maybe an opportunity to be the bridge QB in a few places like New England and Washington.

Again, just my personal opinion but I think the Steelers are 100% dead set on giving Kenny this season, with a real NFL level OC, to make major strides forward and show serious progress, or they will move on in 2025. I think Mason understands this completely and believes he'll have better opportunities elsewhere and I think the Steelers probably agree with him.

I don't believe for one second the Steelers will trade for Justin Fields or will sign somebody like Russell Wilson. If they sign a veteran, it will be a guy like Tannehill who is a willing mentor and knows Arthur Smith's offense like the back of his hand. Tannehill can also win you some games if Kenny doesn't show the required progress.

.......but as I have also said, folks here completely ruling out a first round QB just might end up being surprised. With guys like Penix Jr. and Bo Nix very possibly sitting there at 20, no way I rule out the Steelers bringing in serious competition for Kenny.

Cool Shades was very clear that Kenny would have actual competition for the starting job and no, i don't think that competition will come from a veteran..

Agree with all of that and I also believe they'll basically give KP another year as the starter.

So who will the Steelers sign? My money is on Tannehill (A Smith connection) or Tyrod Taylor (Virginia connection). They'll again take a 7th round flyer on some random dude who they'll likely cut

As an expert in 7th round flyer/random dudes who are QB prospects, I can honestly say this is not the year. Maybe there are a couple of guys if a squint who I think will be available 7th or UDFA who *might* be worth a look. However, I think there are multiple guys in the minor leagues who would be better for that purpose-- and they're better than almost everyone in this class late.

Don't the Steelers historically do this though with a late round flyer?

[jebrick]

I don’t see them drafting a QB until the 6Th or 7th round.
Maybe the FSU qb in the 4th.

with the current CBA, I do not see a late round QB be given a chance to develop without injuries above him. The CBA so limits the practices that the 3rd QB is not getting meaningful snaps. How can they develop?

I would probably take a shot at Learey from Kentucky than Milton.

[anpsteel]

Colbert last 2 drafts dumped on the Steelers. He should not had a say in the pick once he announced he was retiring.

The scary thing is Penix has more ability than KP. He will be another less than mobile QB that will get killed in the NFL. with his medicals and mechanical issues, he should be a 2nd rounder. someone will reach into the back of the 1st round for him.

Add to it, his performance drops off a cliff when he's pressured.

[Steelperch]

I don’t see them drafting a QB until the 6Th or 7th round.
Maybe the FSU qb in the 4th.

The two i’d look at are Joe Milton or Jordan Travis 4th round or later.

[jebrick]

I don’t see them drafting a QB until the 6Th or 7th round.
Maybe the FSU qb in the 4th.

The two i’d look at are Joe Milton or Jordan Travis 4th round or later.

I do not like Milton late because he has so many issues. You will never fix them in 3 years of limited snaps. Travis or Learey have less thing to fix.

[Steel Bingo]

Sounded like one of the commentators at the combine said that Devin Leary and Kenny Pickett use the same personal QB coach.

Jordan Travis has a higher upside when compared to Leary, but would likely require one of the 4th rounders. Hard to imagine him sliding far enough to be available in Rd. 6.