Mason Rudolph, Chandon Sullivan, Steelers Free Agents' Projected Contracts

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back in the playoffs in 2023, but another early exit leaves head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan with some difficult decisions to make.

First and foremost, Pittsburgh must determine how heavily it is willing to commit to quarterback Kenny Pickett after two mostly underwhelming pro seasons. Then, the Steelers have to go about improving a roster that was overall good in 2023 but not good enough for a postseason run.

Before the Steelers dive into this year's talented free-agent player pool, though, they must address the futures of their own impending free agents. With just $9.6 million in projected cap space, those decisions won't be easy.

Here, we'll examine three of Pittsburgh's biggest contributors who are slated to be free agents on March 13. We'll examine their values to the roster and how their free-agent contracts might look.

Factors like Recent production, health, age, projected, and positional value were all considered. A full list of impending Steelers free agents can be found at Spotrac.

QB Mason Rudolph

Rob Carr/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Steelers are going to have competition for Pickett in training camp, and it would seem that their preference is to bring back Mason Rudolph to provide it.

"I've been in communication with his representative and he knows we want him back," Khan said, per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now. "We've told them we want him to be a part of this process."

Retaining Rudolph would be logical if it can be done at the right price. Pittsburgh's longtime backup played well enough down the stretch that Pickett didn't return to the starting lineup after recovering from ankle surgery.

Statistically, Rudolph (18.0 passer rating) was solid, he did a better job of pushing the football down the field than Pickett did, and he went 3-0 to finish the regular season.

The problem for Pittsburgh is that Rudolph's late play could make him attractive to several other teams. He isn't likely to be available on a bargain-basement deal like the one-year, $1.08 million deal he signed last offseason.

Of course, Rudolph isn't going to get starter money either. However, the one-year, $3.5 million deal Gardner Minshew signed with the Indianapolis Colts last offseason is a fair starting point, and Rudolph's price could go up from there if multiple teams are indeed interested.

Contract Projection: Two Years, $8 Million with $4 Million Guaranteed

CB Chandon Sullivan

Justin Casterline/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 16: Chandon Sullivan #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after a loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Cornerback Chandon Sullivan had an impactful, if underrated, role with the Steelers in 2023. Though he rarely saw extensive playing time, he appeared in all 17 games as both a slot defender and on special teams.

The 27-year-old played just 37 percent of the defensive snaps, but when asked to provide coverage, he was generally solid. For the year, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 59.4.

Sullivan also played 49 percent of the special-teams snaps and finished with 22 tackles, six passes defended and an interception.

While Pittsburgh should be in the market for a quality starting corner to partner with Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Peterson, Sullivan could provide a valuable bit of depth at a team-friendly price.

A deep free-agent CB class—headlined by Jaylon Johnson, Stephon Gilmore, Kendall Fuller and others—is likely to depress the market for role players like Sullivan.

The former Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings starter didn't sign with Pittsburgh until May last offseason, and he inked a modest one-year, $1.2 million deal. Sullivan should be in line for a slight pay bump, but if Pittsburgh wants him back, it shouldn't have to overspend to make it happen.

Contract Projection: One Year, $2.5 Million with $1.1 Million Guaranteed

Edge Markus Golden

Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 22: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Markus Golden (44) warms ups prior to an NFL regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams on October 22, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Steelers have their pass-rushing duo set with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. The pair combined for 26 sacks and 54 quarterback hits last season and helped power Pittsburgh's defense into the postseason.

However, it never hurts to have a third capable edge-rusher in a rotation, and the Steelers used Markus Golden in that role last year. The 32-year-old wasn't a massive contributor, but he did chip in four sacks, six tackles for loss and nine quarterback pressures.

Like Sullivan and Rudolph, Golden played on a team-friendly contract in 2023. The Steelers landed him with a one-year, $1.3 million deal, and his rotational production far exceeded his contract value.

In a typical offseason, retaining Golden at a budget-friendly price might be difficult. He's shown high-end ability in the past—producing double-digit-sack seasons in 2016, 2019 and 2021—and sack artists generally draw attention in free agency. However, this year's FA class is deep with pass-rushers.

From Chris Jones and Danielle Hunter to Josh Allen, Jonathan Greenard and Josh Uche, there is a pass-rusher to fill just about every need or scheme. This will keep the price down for pure rotational players like Golden—who is certainly worth re-signing on the cheap.

Contract Projection: One Year, $2.5 Million with $1.1 Million Guaranteed

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Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.