Mason Rudolph showcased his skills during the Steelers’ preseason game, completing 9 out of 15 passes for 93 yards in three full series. In one of the standout moments of the game, he threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to rookie George Pickens. On another drive, Rudolph guided the Steelers through a lengthy 17-play, 81-yard march down the field.
It seems like Rudolph could be playing for his next team during these performances.
With Mitchell Trubisky expected to be the Steelers’ primary quarterback and rookie Kenny Pickett climbing up the depth chart, rumors are circulating that an NFC team is interested in trading for Rudolph, a former third-round pick.
Following Tim Boyle’s struggles in the preseason opener and David Blough’s fumbling issues, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions pursued a quarterback upgrade.
“Both of them, I thought made some really good plays, man,” said head coach Dan Campbell regarding the backup quarterbacks’ performances against the Falcons. “But, then there’s a couple of these plays that leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Certainly, the interception that Tim had, he didn’t quite lay out in front enough. And then the snap — the exchange there, the critical play there in the red zone by Blough. Those two hurt you, man, and that’s kind of what all this is about at the end of the day, you know. You do a lot of good things, but those will bite you.”
Although the Lions currently have Jared Goff under contract until 2024, there’s a possibility for an exit after the 2022 season.
In 2020, Rudolph played in five games for the Steelers, starting one. He threw for 324 yards with a 58.1% completion rate, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The Lions are gearing up to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 of the preseason.
