Quarterback Mason Rudolph found notable success connecting with wide receiver George Pickens during his three starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the 2023 season. If Rudolph is to replicate that performance should he start again this fall, he’ll need to build rapport with a new group of receivers.
Rudolph acknowledged as much when speaking with Steelers insider Mark Kaboly about the trade that sent Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
“I tried to get \[Pickens] the ball as much as possible when we played because good things usually happened when I did,” Rudolph told Kaboly on Monday. “But I get it — sometimes a fresh start is just needed.”
The Steelers traded Pickens to the Cowboys on May 7, sending him along with a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-round selection.
Steelers’ Mason Rudolph Could Really Miss George Pickens
Mason Rudolph enjoyed the best stretch of his career during the final three games of the 2023 regular season, with wide receiver George Pickens playing a key role in that success.
In 2023, Rudolph completed 74.3% of his passes with three touchdowns over four appearances. As a starter, he went 3-0 and averaged an impressive 9.7 yards per attempt. Pickens suited up for all of those games and was a major contributor.
In contrast, Rudolph’s career numbers without Pickens are less impressive—he holds a 5-4-1 record with a 61.5% completion rate and averaged just 6.2 yards per pass. With the Tennessee Titans last season, he went 1-4, completing 64% of his throws for 6.7 yards per attempt.
Ironically, Rudolph may be more attuned than most Steelers players to the potential benefits of a fresh start. After a tumultuous six-year run in Pittsburgh, he got one with the Titans in 2023. Though once considered a possible successor to Ben Roethlisberger, Rudolph eventually fell down the depth chart before earning another shot late last season.
Rudolph Moving Forward With Steelers Current Receivers
Mason Rudolph will no longer have his trusted connection with George Pickens in 2025, and on paper, the Steelers’ receiving corps doesn’t look as strong as it did in 2023. Still, there are reasons for optimism.
The Steelers return tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was a key part of Rudolph’s late-season surge in 2023. They also made a splash by acquiring two-time Pro Bowl wideout DK Metcalf in March. Behind Metcalf, Pittsburgh is counting on Calvin Austin III to continue progressing and hoping former third-round pick Roman Wilson can rebound after an injury-plagued rookie season.
Rudolph appears energized by the group.
“We’re moving forward with the guys we’ve got on this roster, and DK \[Metcalf], he’s a pro’s pro,” Rudolph told Mark Kaboly. “The way he takes care of his body and how inquisitive he is asking questions.”
Veteran Brandon Johnson, who saw limited action last season with just three appearances, is also part of the offseason mix. Rudolph included him among the targets he’s excited to work with in his return to Pittsburgh.
“It’s a solid group of guys. Just looking forward to the start of practice here in a couple weeks,” Rudolph said.
The looming question, though, is whether Rudolph will actually get a shot to start — or if the Steelers will land veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been linked to Pittsburgh in recent speculation.
