B79.“THE TRADE STORM AROUND MASON RUDOLPH” — 9 NFL TEAMS SCRAMBLE FOR THE STEELERS’ STEADY-HANDED QUARTERBACK
The NFL trade market is officially on fire — and at the center of it all stands Mason Rudolph, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran quarterback who’s suddenly become one of the league’s hottest commodities.
After a commanding preseason showing that stunned both fans and scouts, at least nine NFL teams have reportedly submitted trade offers for the 29-year-old signal-caller. What started as quiet interest has now turned into a full-blown bidding war — one that could reshape the quarterback landscape before the regular season even begins.
Rudolph, who re-signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal in 2025, has always been seen as a capable backup. But this summer, he’s shown something more — poise, precision, and the calm control of a true leader in the pocket. His preseason performances didn’t just move the chains; they moved minds inside front offices around the league.
Teams looking for stability, leadership, and instant readiness see in Rudolph what they crave most — dependability. He isn’t flashy. He doesn’t chase headlines. But he delivers results. And in an NFL where chaos can derail entire seasons, that kind of reliability is suddenly priceless.
So who’s knocking on Pittsburgh’s door? According to insiders, the list reads like a who’s who of teams desperate for depth — and maybe even a quiet contender for a starting job.
The Miami Dolphins are near the top, wary of Tua Tagovailoa’s recurring injury concerns. They see Rudolph as a stabilizing presence, someone who can step in seamlessly if their star goes down.
The New York Jets are also reportedly interested — a contingency plan in case Zach Wilson’s inconsistent form continues. For a team built to win now, Rudolph represents the kind of low-drama, high-efficiency quarterback who can keep their playoff hopes alive.
Then there’s the Cleveland Browns, facing an aging and injury-prone roster. They view Rudolph’s experience as valuable insurance — a steady hand who knows the AFC North as well as anyone.
The Baltimore Ravens, too, are said to be quietly circling. Behind Lamar Jackson, they crave a quarterback who understands tempo and control — a player who can operate within their run-heavy scheme while maintaining composure under pressure.
Down south, the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are also reportedly in the mix. The Colts see Rudolph as a mentor and safety net for their developing star Anthony Richardson, while the Jaguars, mindful of Trevor Lawrence’s injury history, are keen on fortifying their quarterback room.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals are all exploring potential fits. For Houston, Rudolph’s maturity and ball security could complement rising star C.J. Stroud. For the Saints, he might even compete for the starting job. And in Arizona, with Kyler Murray’s future uncertain, Rudolph could serve as a bridge between the present and the next generation.
Nine teams. One quarterback. And a decision looming large over the Steel City.
Inside the Steelers’ headquarters, discussions are already underway. Pittsburgh remains committed to Kenny Pickett as their starter, but with multiple offers on the table — some reportedly including mid-round draft picks — the front office may be tempted to strike while the market’s hot.
Trading Rudolph wouldn’t be easy. He’s well-liked in the locker room, trusted by coaches, and respected by fans. He’s the kind of player who never complains, never seeks the spotlight, but always shows up when it matters most. Losing him would mean losing one of the team’s most reliable voices in the huddle.
Still, the NFL is a business, and when nine teams start calling, no general manager can afford not to listen. The question now isn’t whether Rudolph can be traded — it’s whether the Steelers believe they can afford to lose him.
For Rudolph himself, this is an unexpected twist in a career defined by perseverance. From his early ups and downs in Pittsburgh to moments where his future seemed uncertain, he’s quietly rebuilt his reputation one throw at a time. This preseason, he didn’t just earn respect — he reignited belief.
Analysts say his combination of size (6-foot-5), arm strength, and calm under pressure make him an ideal “plug-and-play” option for quarterback-needy teams. “He’s not a superstar,” one scout admitted, “but he’s the guy who can save your season when everything else falls apart.”
As the regular season approaches, the clock is ticking. Trade talks are intensifying, phones are buzzing, and front offices are recalculating what a stable veteran like Rudolph is truly worth.
If the right offer comes in, Pittsburgh may have no choice but to let go of one of its most quietly dependable players.
And for Mason Rudolph, that could mean a long-awaited chance — not just to lead a locker room, but to finally prove, once and for all, that he’s more than a backup.
Because in a league built on chaos, the calmest man in the room might just be the one everyone’s chasing.
