5 Critical Reasons Mason Rudolph's "Not Great" Preseason Sparked A Steelers QB Overhaul

The narrative surrounding Mason Rudolph is one of extremes, and the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers preseason marked a significant low point in his tumultuous tenure with the team. As of December 2025, the quarterback landscape in Pittsburgh has shifted dramatically, but the foundation for that change was arguably laid during a series of "Not Great" performances that summer, where Rudolph's inconsistency failed to secure his position in a crowded quarterback room.

This period of struggle was a crucial inflection point, forcing the Steelers organization to re-evaluate their long-term plans at the most important position in football. It wasn't just about the box score; it was about decision-making, chemistry, and the ability to command the offense under pressure, all of which came under intense scrutiny from coaches and analysts like Andrew Fillipponi.

Mason Rudolph: A Biographical Snapshot

Mason Rudolph's journey to the NFL was defined by record-breaking success at the collegiate level, setting a high bar that his professional career has often struggled to meet.

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• Born: July 17, 1995, in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
• College Career: Oklahoma State Cowboys (2014–2017).
• Key Collegiate Honors: He was the winningest quarterback in Oklahoma State history, leading the team to a 32-9 record as a starter. He also won the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2017.
• Draft: Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (No. 76 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
• NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (2018–2023), Tennessee Titans (2024), Pittsburgh Steelers (Returned 2025).

The Five Key Factors Behind Rudolph's 2024 Preseason Struggles

The 2024 preseason was pivotal for Rudolph. With the Steelers' quarterback situation in flux, a strong showing could have solidified his role. Instead, his performance led him to describe it as "Not Great" himself. The struggles were multifaceted, touching on mechanics, decision-making, and the external pressure of a heated QB competition.

1. Inconsistent Decision-Making and Turnovers

The most glaring issue was his propensity for ill-timed mistakes. While he showed flashes of his arm talent, the critical errors overshadowed the positives. In one preseason game, for instance, Rudolph’s stat line was a microcosm of his struggles, registering a touchdown but also a costly interception on just five attempts, indicating a low completion percentage for high-leverage throws.

This turnover-prone nature created a lack of trust, especially in a competitive environment where the margin for error was slim. The coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, prioritizes ball security, and Rudolph's preseason demonstrated a failure to consistently protect the football.

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2. Poor Execution in Short-Yardage Situations

A recurring organizational problem for the Steelers resurfaced during the 2024 preseason: the inability to convert in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Rudolph, at the helm of the second-team offense, struggled to execute the necessary plays to move the chains.

This was compounded by issues with the center-quarterback exchange, notably a "bad exchange" early in the Hall of Fame game, which immediately stalled a drive and put the offense behind the sticks. These fundamental errors undermined the entire unit’s ability to sustain drives and score points.

3. The Pressure of a Crowded QB Room

The 2024 offseason saw the Steelers acquire a completely overhauled quarterback room, bringing in veteran competition like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. This intense environment meant Rudolph was fighting for a roster spot and a clear role, not just the backup job.

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Every snap was scrutinized, and his struggles were amplified by the strong play of others. While the focus was often on the battle between Wilson and Fields, Rudolph's performance determined his viability as a third option. His inability to separate himself from the pack ultimately led to the "bad news" reported by analysts like Andrew Fillipponi after the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, suggesting his future in Pittsburgh was uncertain.

4. Lack of Chemistry with New Offensive Weapons

A key part of the preseason is building rapport with the team's offensive core, including running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and wide receivers like George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. Rudolph’s time on the field, often with the second and third-string units, lacked the necessary rhythm and timing.

The offense appeared disjointed, with miscommunications on routes and throws that were slightly off-target. While a quarterback's performance is tied to the talent around him, Rudolph struggled to elevate the play of the supporting cast, which is a key expectation for a veteran backup in the NFL.

5. The Looming Contract and Future Uncertainty

Entering the 2024 season, Rudolph's contract situation added another layer of pressure. Without a long-term commitment, his preseason was essentially an audition for his future in the league, whether with the Steelers or another club. The struggles he experienced made it difficult for the Steelers to justify a significant investment, especially with younger, higher-drafted players like Kenny Pickett also vying for a role.

This uncertainty created a high-stakes scenario where every poor drive or turnover was magnified, ultimately contributing to the perception that he was, at that moment, not the "sparkplug" needed to surge the team forward. His subsequent move to the Tennessee Titans in 2024, followed by a reported return to the Steelers in 2025, highlights just how fluid and volatile his career trajectory became following that challenging summer.

Beyond the Struggles: Rudolph's Resiliency and Redemption

Despite the "Not Great" preseason, Mason Rudolph's career has been defined by his resiliency. His ability to bounce back from adversity, including highly-publicized incidents and poor performances, has earned him respect from teammates and even head coach Mike Tomlin.

In the past, Tomlin has openly acknowledged that Rudolph "certainly" changed his perception of the quarterback, based on his willingness to compete and his occasional flashes of brilliance, such as a strong performance in a late-season win against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 2024 preseason struggles were a necessary hurdle in his career. They exposed weaknesses that were later addressed, allowing him to reshape his narrative. While the Steelers moved on to other options like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the short term, Rudolph’s ultimate return to the organization speaks volumes about his character and the enduring value the team sees in his experience and knowledge of the system.