Why former Oklahoma State star QB Mason Rudolph is likely leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers

When Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, he talked at length about the quarterback position. One point Khan made was the team wanted former Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph back and would try very hard to keep him.

Fast-forward to now and the Steelers have decided to sign former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson just two days before the official start of free agency. This ultimately means the Mason Rudolph era is coming to an end in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers drafted Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. The team actually traded up to get Rudolph. He was the team’s No. 3 quarterback his rookie season.

From 2019 to 2023, Rudolph found himself all over the depth chart. He started 13 games in five seasons and went 8-4-1 as a starter. Rudolph was always a consummate professional, biding his time, never speaking ill of the team or his teammates and when called upon, he produced. Last season, Rudolph ended up being the best quarterback on the roster once he took over for an ineffective Mitch Trubisky.

More: ESPN ranks Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon as NCAA’s top running back for 2024 season