As the Pittsburgh Steelers ensured they'll have starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back for the 2021 season, they've now ensured his backup Mason Rudolph will be extended.
Pittsburgh has signed Rudolph to a one-year extension to sign him through 2022, the team announced Thursday. Rudolph's extension is worth $5 million and includes up to $4 million in additional incentives related to playing time, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft for the Steelers, Rudolph has started nine games over two seasons in place of an injured Roethlisberger (or a resting Roethlisberger as was the case for the season finale last year).
With Roethlisberger's future beyond 2021 most certainly in doubt, Pittsburgh will at least have a familiar face in the 2022 QB room with starting experience.