Mason Rudolph, Malik Willis Competing For QB2 Role
Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis are competing for the backup role behind Will Levis this offseason, according to head coach Brian Callahan. Rudolph was signed to a one-year, $2.87 million deal during free agency after leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs behind a 74.3% completion percentage, three passing touchdowns, and no interceptions. Willis was selected by Tennessee in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has thrown for 350 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in 11 game appearances. Willis has looked overwhelmed in his limited action so far, making Rudolph the likely favorite to open Week 1 in the QB2 role. Both players are stash considerations in deep Superflex dynasty leagues.
The Tennessee Titans are signing veteran free-agent quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year deal worth up to $3.62 million, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. Rudolph played in four regular season games (three starts) for the Steelers last year, throwing for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He completed a whopping 74.3% of his passes. Second-year quarterback Will Levis is expected to start for Tennessee in 2024, but given the struggles of backup Malik Willis, Rudolph is likely to earn the backup job. Although Levis flashed upside in his rookie campaign, he is not a proven asset. If he struggles mightily, Rudolph could be thrust into action. For now, he remains off the fantasy radar in all formats.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is set to become a free agent this season. The former third-round pick from 2018 could very well end up right back in Pittsburgh. Recently, Steelers general manager Nick Khan said they want to bring back Rudolph next season. It sounds like the organization still has full faith in Kenny Pickett under center. However, they want to bring in some competition in case Pickett fails to claim the starting gig. Rudolph knows the system well and led the team to a 3-0 record this past season. The Steelers even started Rudolph during their playoff game versus the Buffalo Bills. The 28-year-old isn't going to save the franchise. Although, Rudolph could be a bridge option for the team if Pickett doesn't work out.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said the team still believes in quarterback Kenny Pickett, but they need better QB play moving forward and want to re-sign impending free-agent QB Mason Rudolph, who took over the starting job late in the 2023 season. The Steelers are looking to hire a new offensive coordinator that will bring a "fresh approach" after they ranked 28th in total offense. The Steelers went 3-0 with Rudolph as the starter to close out the regular season to squeak into the AFC postseason picture before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round. Rudolph threw for 716 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the final three games of the regular season. He was more efficient than Pickett was, but Rudolph has proven he's nothing more than a low-ceiling game manager for fantasy purposes.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is set to hit free agency heading into the 2024-25 campaign. However, several of Pittsburgh's prominent offensive options, specifically Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, seemingly want Rudolph to remain the team's starting signal-caller moving ahead. It's no secret Kenny Pickett has struggled since entering the league. But after Pickett didn't start late in the year, Rudolph played well enough to lead the Steelers to three consecutive wins and an AFC Wild Card appearance. At any rate, dynasty managers should keep the 28-year-old on the roster, considering there's a chance he'll remain in Pittsburgh. If Rudolph inks a new deal, Pickens and Johnson could also benefit, mainly since the duo played better after Pickett wasn't in the picture.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 22 of his 39 pass attempts for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He added 16 rushing yards on two carries. Pittsburgh's offense struggled with turnovers early on in the contest and quickly trailed 21-0 soon after Rudolph was picked off Buffalo's end zone. The 28-year-old battled back, however, and led the Steelers on three scoring drives. He connected with wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Calvin Austin III on short touchdown passes that brought the team within seven points of the Bills in the fourth quarter. Although his efforts ultimately came up short, Rudolph was solid in his postseason debut. The Steelers will need to figure out numerous things this offseason, including their plans for the quarterback position in 2024.
Mason Rudolph Draws Tough Matchup In First Playoff Start
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph ended the regular season going 3-0 as a starter and will lead the team against the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Sunday's contest is not projected to feature much scoring as gusting winds and snow are expected in Buffalo. Even if Rudolph manages to overcome the harsh weather conditions, he will also need to conquer a stout Bills' pass defense to make an impact for fantasy purposes. Buffalo has surrendered the seventh-fewest yards through the air and the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing signal-callers this season. Fantasy managers should make an effort to avoid Rudolph in all formats this weekend.
Steelers Sticking With Mason Rudolph At Quarterback
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the team is sticking with quarterback Mason Rudolph as their starter for Sunday's wild-card playoff game at the Buffalo Bills. Tomlin said the team is "sticking with the hot hand." Kenny Pickett has recovered from tightrope surgery on his ankle, but Rudolph has earned the starting gig heading into the postseason after leading the Steelers to three straight wins to secure the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. While he's been a stabilizing force for the Steelers offense, he hasn't really been great for fantasy purposes, going 53-for-71 for 716 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in his three starts down the stretch. On the road in likely frigid conditions in a hostile environment in Buffalo this weekend isn't going to make him an attractive DFS play, even at a low cost.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 18 of his 20 pass attempts for 152 yards and one touchdown in a 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Weather conditions in Baltimore made things difficult for the 28-year-old, who fumbled three times in the contest. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, only one resulted in a turnover. Big plays were difficult to come by on Saturday, but Rudolph did complete a strike over the middle of the field to Diontae Johnson for a 71-yard score early in the fourth quarter. Following a 0-3 run that mostly featured Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, the Steelers are now 3-0 over the past three weeks with Rudolph under center. It is safe to assume that Rudolph will retain QB1 duties should Pittsburgh make it into the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that quarterback Mason Rudolph will make a third straight start in Week 18 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, while also noting that Kenny Pickett's (ankle) health isn't in question. Rudolph looked good again in the 30-23 Week 17 win on the road in Seattle over the Seahawks on Sunday, going 18-for-24 for 274 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. While it wasn't really all that notable from a fantasy perspective, the 28-year-old has now led the Steelers to two important wins in a row and will keep the starting gig for the regular season finale despite the fact that Pickett has recovered from ankle surgery. Pittsburgh will likely continue to lean on their ground game and defense, making Rudolph a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in superflex leagues that will still be playing for something in Week 18.
