Former Steelers QB Mason Rudolph Gets Surprise Visit; New OC Thinks 'His Best Ball Is Ahead Of Him'

The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked much of the NFL world when they swept the quarterback room clean after the 2023 season. This included Mason Rudolph, who helped propel the Steelers to the playoffs last season. Rudolph, who'd been with Pittsburgh for six seasons and was a free agent, signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. 

Rudolph's journey with the Steelers began in 2018 when he was drafted in the third round as a potential successor to the aging Ben Roethlisberger. While his earlier performances could have been more consistent, the end of the 2023 season saw a marked improvement. His final games in Pittsburgh were a testament to his growth and opened the team's eyes regarding exploring other options beyond Kenny Pickett. 

There were those, such as former teammate Ramon Foster, who felt the Steelers were making a mistake in not re-signing Rudolph for 2024. Foster, an offensive guard, spent two seasons with Rudolph before he retired, and they developed a friendship. Foster now co-hosts The Ramon Foster Show with Pittsburgh sports reporter Dejan Kovacevic via DK Pittsburgh Sports.

Foster, a Tennessee native, said on a recent episode that he stopped by the Titans organization for their press conference to check on his old friend and see how he was handling the transition.  

"He's enjoying himself. We talked about some very specific stuff, you know about how he felt. I think it was good that he got to do something outside the city. I think he needed it. Their offensive coordinator spoke today and the Titans have some high praise about Mason. He said, 'He was a guy we evaluated and looking at his tape, his command at the line of scrimmage, how he checked and how he audibled, and his decisiveness and his play. We think his best ball is ahead of him.' They think highly of the kid. He's got a huge chip on his shoulder," shared Foster.

Foster found it interesting that Titans Offensive Coordinator Nick Holz said he believed Rudolph's best ball was still to come. He noted that the Titans currently have Will Levis on their roster, and it is supposedly his job to lose. Levis, drafted in the second round in 2023, was up and down all season.  

Reports out of Tennessee say that the coaching staff is happy with Levis' progress during the offseason. Foster said Rudolph will have to make the most of every opportunity. 

Most Steelers fan's eyes were opened to Rudolph and his potential at the end of the season. However, they are now glad he has gotten a fresh start and wish him well. 

Steelers' Omar Khan Is A Breath Of Fresh Air

Foster added that he is impressed with General Manager Omar Khan's no-nonsense approach to personnel. The Steelers have been known for their loyalty to coaches and players. There have even been times when they have been accused of keeping people too long. Now, Foster feels that there is a new sheriff in town, and they are enforcing their old saying about wanting volunteers, not hostages. 

When players expressed displeasure, such as Pickett did over the signing of Russell Wilson, Khan helped him find a new home. Foster thinks Rudolph has a better shot at starting than Pickett does with the Philadelphia Eagles. He also noted that another malcontent, Diontae Johnson, grumbled and was traded, in his case, to one of the worst offenses in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers.  

According to Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Wilson has the "pole position" heading into camp to be the team's starting quarterback, and Justin Fields will serve as his backup, hopefully learning from the Super Bowl winner. Having two veteran quarterbacks who have both struggled in recent years makes the fan base a bit nervous, but still optimistic.