The Pittsburgh Steelers have only one quarterback on their current roster, and his name is Kenny Pickett. Some fans are squabbling over whether or not the team should start Pickett or Mason Rudolph, all without realizing Rudolph is slated to hit free agency when the new league year officially begins March 11th with the start of the “legal tampering period”.

Rudolph hasn’t known a different team since being drafted by the Steelers in 2018, but that doesn’t mean he is a lock to be on the roster in 2024. In fact, according to our source inside the building the Steelers are expecting Rudolph to get plenty of looks from other teams around the league.

Just think about the situation Rudolph found himself in just one year ago. He entered free agency, go zero offers, and returned to the Steelers on a one-year contract to be the QB3 on the depth chart. The only difference was how the 2023 season ended, with Rudolph starting and leading the Steelers to the postseason.

Quite the change from a year ago.

While some just think most teams will overlook Rudolph for the second straight season, the organization is prepared to have to compete with other teams for Rudolph’s services. While Rudolph is the priority, that doesn’t mean the team is willing to get in a bidding war for a quarterback who wouldn’t even be guaranteed a QB1 spot on the roster.

If the Steelers lose out on Rudolph and he goes to pastures which he deems are greener, don’t be shocked if the Steelers aren’t a team who is looking to add Russell Wilson, assuming Wilson is released and the Denver Broncos pick up the vast majority of his current contract. If all that takes place, Wilson could accept a veteran minimum contract without breaking the proverbial bank.

But won’t there be other teams vying for Wilson’s services, just like Rudolph’s?

Absolutely, but the Steelers job should be an attractive one. Pickett is far from an entrenched starter, and on top of that he has yet to get through a season without suffering an injury which saw him miss time. According to our source, Wilson would love to play for Mike Tomlin, and is looking for stability in his next team.

Again, if the Steelers don’t get Rudolph, don’t be shocked if they make a run at Wilson to be the guy behind Pickett in case he stumbles or gets injured, again.

This offseason is just starting to heat up, so stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prep for free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.