Nashville, TN – Quarterback Mason Rudolph has officially closed the chapter on his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing a contract with the Tennessee Titans for the 2025 NFL season. The move finalizes a widely anticipated switch for the veteran quarterback, who spent the 2024 season in Nashville after six seasons with the Steelers.
Rudolph’s departure from Pittsburgh marks the end of a sometimes turbulent but ultimately resilient run with the franchise that drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Over his time in the Steel City, Rudolph appeared in 21 regular-season games, starting 13 of them. He amassed 3,085 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, leading the Steelers to an 8-4-1 record in his starts.
His Steelers career was marked by periods of stepping in due to injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Kenny Pickett, showcasing his ability to manage games and provide stability. Notably, he led the Steelers to a crucial 3-0 record in the final three games of the 2023 regular season, unexpectedly guiding the team to a playoff berth. This late-season surge, where he completed 55 of 74 passes for 719 yards and three touchdowns, reignited fan discussions about his potential as a starter.
However, with the Steelers’ acquisition of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson in the offseason and their continued faith in Pickett, Rudolph’s path to a starting role in Pittsburgh appeared increasingly narrow. This likely played a significant role in his decision to seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
Rudolph initially signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans in March 2024, worth up to $3.62 million. He joined a quarterback room led by second-year player Will Levis. During the 2024 season with the Titans, Rudolph saw action in eight games, starting five. He completed 146 of 228 passes for 1,530 yards, throwing for nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. While the Titans struggled overall, Rudolph gained valuable experience within a new offensive system.
Details of Rudolph’s new contract with the Titans for the 2025 season have emerged, indicating a two-year deal worth $7.5 million, including a $3 million signing bonus. This commitment from the Titans suggests they see Rudolph as more than just a backup, potentially envisioning him as a significant part of their quarterback plans moving forward, either as a continued backup to Levis or as a competitor for the starting role.
For the Steelers, Rudolph’s departure officially closes a chapter that saw him as a reliable backup and a capable fill-in when needed. The team now moves forward with Wilson and Pickett as their primary quarterbacks, while Rudolph embarks on a new phase of his career with a familiar face in the Titans organization. His time in Pittsburgh will be remembered for his professionalism and his clutch performances, particularly his unexpected leadership during the 2023 playoff push. Now, he looks to solidify his role with the Titans and contribute to their aspirations in the AFC South.
