There is no question the Steelers will try to re-sign Rudolph after the season,” Dulac wrote in an online chat on January 3. “I’m guessing they will simply give him Trubisky’s contract, which is about $11.5 million over two years.”
Rudolph is set to be a free agent this offseason while Mitch Trubisky has two years remaining on his contract.
Steelers Projected to Re-Sign Mason Rudolph as Backup to Kenny Pickett
The Steelers surprised media pundits and fans by bringing back Rudolph and signing Trubisky to a contract extension last offseason. But this offseason, Dulac projected Pittsburgh’s preferred plan as bringing back Rudolph and not Trubisky for 2024.
“Pickett, Mason [Rudolph] and a new No. 3. Trubisky is scheduled to earn $4.5 million in salary and another $1 million in roster bonus in 2024 and $5 million in salary and $1 million in roster bonus in 2025,” Dulac wrote. “That’s $11.5 million in real money the Steelers will save if they release him. And that’s way over the top for a No. 3 QB.”
Rudolph has vastly outplayed Trubisky this season. In three appearances, Rudolph has posted a 68.5% completion percentage and 10.5 yards per attempt. He also has 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Trubisky owns a 62.6% completion percentage and 5.9 yards per pass average. He has 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in five appearances as well.
Each quarterback has made two starts in place of an injured Kenny Pickett. The Steelers won both of Rudolph’s starts and averaged 32 points per game. The Steelers lost both of Trubisky’s starts while averaging 15.5 points per contest.
