The NFL offseason is officially under way with the beginning of the new league year this week.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from Thursday’s movement and deals.
Winner: Mason Rudolph, quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
It is not the quarterback anybody was expecting or waiting for, but the Pittsburgh Steelers finally do, in fact, have signed a quarterback this offseason.
They brought back Mason Rudolph, who already has an extensive history with the team on a two-year contract. It is a nice win for Rudolph because depending on what happens with the quarterback carousel in free agency he might actually have an opportunity to start and throw deep passes to DK Metcalf and George Pickens.
If the Steelers bring in Aaron Rodgers, he still might get a chance to play later in the season if a 41-year-old Rodgers does not play in 17 games. Or play effectively. Either way, it is a very good spot for Rudolph.
Loser: C.J. Stroud, quarterback, Houston Texans
Good news for Stroud: the Texans have made some dramatic changes to their offensive line this offseason, hoping to address what was a massive issue and weakness during the 2024 season.
Bad news for Stroud: they may have actually made the offensive line worse than it already was.