Pat Freiermuth Has Full Confidence in Mason Rudolph Being Steelers’ Starting QB: ‘We Have All the Belief in Mason’
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth gave quarterback Mason Rudolph a ringing endorsement during a recent interview on the Kaboly + Mack podcast.
“As guys on the team, we have all the belief in Mason,” Freiermuth said. “You know he made some big plays when he was here last, winning three straight games to make the playoffs. Whatever happens, happens, but we will see.”
The Steelers continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers, but as of right now, Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only QBs on their roster.
Freiermuth said he doesn’t have any insight on what’s going to happen at quarterback, but he trusts everybody involved in the decision-making process.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also expressed at the NFL owner’s meetings that he is confident in Rudolph’s abilities if he ends up being the starter.
“We’re optimistic about the room that we’re constructing. Obviously, we’re excited about having Mason Rudolph back,” Tomlin said at the NFL owner’s meetings. “Our knowledge of him not only as a player but as a man. It’s exciting to have him back and I know he’s excited to be back. But, certainly, we are going to explore all our options to round that room out.”
Tomlin thinks Rudolph’s lengthy experience with the team is his best attribute.
“I think that’s why we re-acquired him,” Tomlin said. “We like Mason Rudolph, but, you know, that’s no secret. … His experience within our building certainly helps. Not only helps him, but helps us.”
Rudolph, 29, was selected with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He spent the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh before spending last season with the Tennessee Titans. He signed a two-year deal with the Steelers in free agency earlier this month.
Rudolph’s one season in Tennessee didn’t go as planned, as he was 1-4 as a starter and Tennessee finished a disastrous 3-14.
In total, Rudolph played in eight games. On the season, he completed 64.0% of his passes for 1,530 yards with nine touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a passer rating of 55.5.
Rudolph, 28, was drafted in the third round by the Steelers out of Oklahoma State in 2018. He spent six seasons in Pittsburgh, playing in 21 games and making 13 starts. In six seasons with Pittsburgh, Rudolph completed 63.5% of his passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 86.9.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Palm Beach, Fla.