Mason Rudolph enjoying return to Saint Vincent, chance to play again for Steelers

Whether he’s signing autographs after practice, engaging with training camp staffers before it or bonding with teammates during workouts, Mason Rudolph appears to be more relaxed this summer at Saint Vincent.

The eighth-year quarterback, who is back for his second tour with the Pittsburgh Steelers, agrees with that assessment.

“Absolutely, I’m more at ease,” Rudolph said this weekend. “I am very grateful to be back here.”

The previous time Rudolph was practicing at the Unity Township campus, in 2023, he was barely hanging on as an NFL quarterback. Unwanted and unsigned two months into free agency, Rudolph agreed to a minimum-salary contract with the Steelers to be the No. 3 quarterback.

He was given no chance to progress to No. 2 on the depth chart. He was the clear third option behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky.

“I felt like — you never know — it could have been my last year,” said Rudolph, who considered getting his commercial real estate license. “You hadn’t played in a while, you’re third string on the depth chart. A lot has to happen for you to get on the field.”

A lot did happen. Pickett got injured, Trubisky struggled as the de facto starter and Rudolph was called upon to start the final three games of the regular season. Rudolph won all three starts and got the nod again in the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.

But when the Steelers shifted gears in the 2024 offseason and traded for Justin Fields a day after announcing the Russell Wilson contract signing, Rudolph knew it was time to leave. He signed with the Tennessee Titans and started five games last season for what turned out to be the NFL’s worst team.

With the Steelers committed to remaking the quarterback room again, they turned back to Rudolph to be the No. 2 option, perhaps even the starter if they didn’t acquire another veteran. Rudolph got the first-team work in offseason practices and again in minicamp after Aaron Rodgers signed at the 11th hour.

“Leaving Pittsburgh and coming back, he’s more clear-headed,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “He’s been great.”

And now Rudolph is back at Saint Vincent, entrenched as the second option at quarterback with the realization that one injury to the 41-year-old Rodgers could thrust him into the top role.

“It feels like home,” Rudolph said. “I spent a lot of summers here. I’m comfortable. It’s good to be back with so many good friends, the coaching staff I know very well and new faces that I’ve really enjoyed meeting.”

One has been Rodgers, even though he is loath to admit it.

“I’ll have to temper my warmth because a buddy sent me a video saying, ‘Your eyes are glazing over talking about Aaron Rodgers,’ so relax,” Rudolph said with a chuckle. “It’s been great. He’s been very helpful and very friendly and open to questions whether it’s about football or non-football things.

“He’s forgotten more about football than most of us ever know. It’s a great resource.”

Rudolph took the second-team snaps until Saturday when Rodgers was rested. Trouble was, receiver DK Metcalf and tight end Jonnu Smith also had the day off, so Rudolph worked with many of the same players he has lined up with on the second unit.

“You do the best you can,” he said. “I thought we had a good day. We moved the ball and took care of the ball. It’s always a quick turnaround from Friday Night Lights and getting yourself up for this (practice). I thought the guys came out with a lot of energy.”

Rudolph included. The challenge will be keeping up that level of commitment during a camp and preseason when Rodgers will be worked heavily so he can make up for the offseason workouts he missed.

“Mason has been a team player,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s always a hand-in-the-pile guy. He’s always working and competing to get better as well. I appreciate his ability to balance those things.”

Trying to find that balance is something Rudolph dealt with frequently during his previous tour with the Steelers, whether he was the No. 3 option behind Ben Roethlisberger and Joshua Dobbs in 2018, the starter for eight games in 2019 when Roethlisberger was injured or the backup in the 2020-21 seasons.

“When you get into the season, are you studying more because you know you’re not getting the physical reps?” Rudolph said. “Are you doing more doubling down on the mental work and walk-through reps and stealing any throws you can get after practice?

“That is the way to be ready when you’re called upon as an NFL backup quarterback. Make sure you’re sharp and not coasting through the year.”

It remains to be seen how much — if at all — Rudolph will play this season, but armed with a two-year contract, he has a measure of security that he lacked two years ago. And the potential real estate career has been put on hold.

“Whether you’re making $100 million or $1 million, the transition comes at some point, and you want to find out what you are passionate about,” Rudolph said. “I’m still incredibly passionate about this game. I love this game.”