How Steelers’ Russell Wilson Fiasco Ended in a Huge Financial Hit for Mason Rudolph

Steelers fans may have been elated when they heard that Russell Wilson was being brought in. However, the decision did not turn out so well for Mason Rudolph, the team’s backup QB under Kenny Pickett. NFL Insider John Frascella brought light to this development on X, outlining the financial repercussions for Rudolph due to a last-minute change in team strategy.

Rudolph had been with the team since 2018, but soon after Wilson joined the ship, he was traded to the Tennessee Titans. However, the exit was not very gracious.

Mason Rudolph bears the brunt of the Russell Wilson Steelers’ trade

According to Frascella, Rudolph was on the verge of securing a two-year contract worth $10 million with the Steelers. However, the deal fell through as the Steelers opted to acquire Russell Wilson, a move that dramatically altered Rudolph’s offseason trajectory. This shift forced Rudolph to sign with the Titans for significantly less, agreeing to a one-year contract valued at $2.87 million.

While this figure still represents an increase from his previous salary of $1.08 million, it’s markedly less than what he would have earned had the Steelers’ original offer proceeded. Frascella characterized the situation not as a mere pay cut but as a “financial hit,” underscoring the abrupt nature and substantial financial implications of the Steelers’ decision for Rudolph. However, now the team is looking to make even more changes to its roster as it looks to build a team around its star QB.

Steelers looking at WR trade to aid Russell Wilson

Amidst the burgeoning anticipation for a marquee wideout to complement Wilson’s new tenure with the Steelers, the team’s pursuit of a high-caliber WR remains unfulfilled since their trade of Diontae Johnson. Alan Saunders of Steelers Now suggested that the Steelers might be biding their time for a strategic post-June 1 trade to secure such a talent. Tyler Lockett, a seasoned Seattle Seahawks receiver and former teammate of Wilson, could be a potential acquisition.

Lockett, who had restructured his contract with the Seahawks this offseason, would pose a costly trade if executed before June 1. Saunders noted, “If they traded Lockett now, that would incur a $27.8 million dead cap hit and cost the Seahawks an additional $8.9 million in cap space on top of what is slated to cost.” Waiting until after June 1 would significantly reduce the financial burden to a $13.9 million dead cap hit, while also freeing up $5 million in cap space for Seattle in 2024. For the Steelers, acquiring Lockett would be a bargain, with the receiver only guaranteed $4.67 million in salary and $340,000 in roster bonuses.

Lockett’s experience with Wilson could seamlessly translate into a significant advantage for the Steelers’ offense. Despite new signings like Quez Watkins, and Van Jefferson who collectively added only 351 receiving yards in 2023, Lockett’s addition could offer the strategic depth and experienced playmaking ability that the Steelers are seeking to elevate their game in the upcoming season.