Insider: Steelers Won't Have Bidding War for Mason Rudolph

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' first option this offseason when it comes to the quarterback position is to re-sign Mason Rudolph, bringing back the veteran to compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting job. However, there have been some reports claiming Rudolph is set to get a pretty big offer elsewhere.

Not everyone believes that is true. Speaking in his weekly chat, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac said there will be no "bidding war" for Rudolph's services this offseason. If he wants to return to Pittsburgh, he will. If he doesn't, he won't - but only because of where he'd like to play.

"No, it's more likely he will return because the Steelers want him to return. But, to your point, I wouldn't rule out him signing elsewhere either, but I would caution there is not going to be a bidding war for his services or that he's going to receive some type of outlandish deal," Dulac wrote.

The question read: "It seems like fans are assuming Rudolph will return. Isn’t it more likely that he’ll get a better offer from another team?"

Rudolph didn't crack the list of the top 150 free agents list at Pro Football Focus, and Dulac isn't the first Steelers insider to say he won't be paid what some national reports claim he will.

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly also said there is no "fresh start" elsewhere for Rudolph. If he feels there is a better opportunity to start on another team, that is where he'll sign. Otherwise, he'll return to the Steelers and look to beat out Pickett.

The Steelers haven't held back on their desire to re-sign Rudolph. They likely won't get the opportunity to until free agency begins, but if the market isn't what some expect, a return to Pittsburgh feels more and more likely as time passes.

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