First Call: Rumored trade partner for Mason Rudolph emerges; ex-Steeler ILB signs with AFC team; Le'Veon Bell boxing update

Trade rumors are swirling around Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. An ex-Steeler has a new home in the AFC. Gerrit Cole suffers a tough loss.

And Le’Veon Bell’s boxing match is on again.

All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.”

Motor City Mason

For some fans in Pittsburgh, the only satisfactory ending for Mason Rudolph’s role in the three-headed quarterback competition with Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett would be if Rudolph is traded.

At least one rumor has that speculation percolating.

Pittsburgh sports radio host Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan tweeted that he’s been told Rudolph could be dealt to the Detroit Lions by the end of the week.

A former NFL GM told me he thinks Mason Rudolph could be traded to the Lions by the end of the week.

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 15, 2022

Justin Melo of The Draft Network floated that idea last month as well. As troubled as Rudolph’s tenure in Pittsburgh may have been, I’d still rather have him on my team than Tim Boyle or David Blough, Detroit’s two backup QB options to Jared Goff right now.

Some have also tried to create a matchmaker scenario between the New York Jets and Rudolph.

Related:

• Mike Tomlin addresses 3 points of concern for Steelers after win over Seattle
• Tim Benz: All 3 Steelers QBs deserve praise. And Mason Rudolph deserves a break
• Madden Monday: As far as Mason Rudolph goes, 'best thing for the Steelers this year' is keeping all 3 QBs

Bronco Joe

Meanwhile, a former Steelers player has a new home. It’s Joe Schobert.

After one disappointing season in Pittsburgh, the former Steelers inside linebacker is signing a new contract with the Denver Broncos.

Schobert is entering his seventh year in the NFL. He was selected by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After going to Jacksonville, he was traded to Pittsburgh in 2021 and started 15 games for the Steelers.

In his lone season in Pittsburgh, Schobert recorded one interception, one forced fumble, 112 tackles and a quarterback hit.

No support

Former Pirate Gerrit Cole had a tough-luck start for the New York Yankees Monday.

He and the Yankees (72-44) lost 4-0 to the Tampa Bay Rays (61-53). It’s the second straight shutout loss for the Bronx Bombers, having lost 3-0 to the Boston Red Sox Sunday.

The Yankees have now lost five of their last six games, and 11 of their last 14. The club is just 8-16 since the All-Star break. Cole allowed one earned run in six innings pitched. He had six strikeouts and two walks.

Cole falls to 9-5. The Yankees still lead the Rays and Toronto Blue jays by 10 games in the American League East.

Le’V Bell reboot

According to TMZ Sports, the Austin McBroom vs. AnEsonGib boxing match is back on. It is now taking place Sept. 10 at Banc of California Stadium.

That means the undercard bout between former Steeler Le’Veon Bell and fellow NFL alum Adrian Peterson is back on, too.

The Social Gloves event — which was originally set to happen at Crypto.com Arena on July 30 — was pushed back due to issues with Gib getting medical clearance.

Former Los Angeles Laker Nick Young is supposed to fight a rapper named Blueface as well.