Mason Rudolph (Photo By Marc Lebryk/Imagn Images)
Mason Rudolph, who recently played for the Tennessee Titans, made a big decision about his career by skipping a planned meeting with the New York Giants. Instead, he chose to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team where he spent five seasons.

His unexpected move shows both his loyalty to his former team and how unpredictable the quarterback market is in the NFL. Rather than taking a chance with the Giants, who are still evaluating their quarterback situation, Rudolph went with a familiar environment. He knows the Steelers well, but it’s unclear whether he will compete for the starting job or take on a backup role.

Who is Mason Rudolph?

Mason Rudolph (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Mason Rudolph, a former Tennessee Titans quarterback, began his NFL journey when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in 2018. Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, he first attended Westminster Catawba Christian School before transferring to Northwestern High School.

There, he built an impressive record, throwing for 10,986 yards and 132 touchdowns in total. His senior season was especially remarkable, with 4,400 passing yards, 80 touchdowns, and a perfect 15–0 record that led his team to a 4A State Championship and a No. 7 national ranking. Colleges like North Carolina and Ole Miss recruited him, but he chose Oklahoma State University.

At Oklahoma State, Rudolph started as a backup in his freshman year but got playing time in key matchups, including the 2015 Cactus Bowl. By the following season, he had earned the starting quarterback position. His strong performances led to him winning the 2017 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the nation’s top senior quarterback.

Known for his leadership and ability to read defenses, Rudolph excels at deep throws and staying composed under pressure. In the 2023 NFL season, he started Pittsburgh’s final three regular-season games, won them all, and helped secure a playoff spot for the Steelers.

Mason Rudolph’s Return To Pittsburgh Steelers

Mason Rudolph (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Rudolph is now heading back to Pittsburgh, a decision that has drawn attention from both fans and analysts. As reported by ESPN, he has signed a two-year deal with the Steelers.

Rudolph previously spent multiple seasons with Pittsburgh, serving as a dependable backup and occasional starter. Last season, he tested free agency and drew interest from several teams, including the Tennessee Titans. After weighing his options, he chose to return to the Steelers, bringing experience and familiarity back to the team.

Rudolph’s return adds much-needed stability to Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation as the team prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season. His years of experience in the Steelers’ system make him a valuable asset, whether as a backup or in case of an unexpected change in position.

Though his past performances in Pittsburgh had mixed results, his familiarity with the team makes him a sensible choice. As the Steelers work to strengthen their roster for 2025, having a quarterback who understands the system could be a key move in ensuring depth and reliability.

Mason Rudolph’s Net Worth And Salary

Mason Rudolph (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Rudolph has a reported net worth of $3.5 million. Earlier in March 2024, he signed a one-year, $2.87 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, which included a $1.35 million signing bonus and $2.7 million in guaranteed money.

However, he recently agreed to a new two-year, $8 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with $4.5 million guaranteed.