Mason Rudolph presents an unexpected backup quarterback scenario for the Jets

As has been the case for many a New York Jets season, we collectively enter training camp discussing the quarterback situation. 

But for once, we’re not focused on the starting job. 

Geno Smith is entrenched as the Week 1 starter, a sight we’ve not seen in New York since the Rex Ryan era. 

As for the backup job, things have gotten unexpectedly complicated. 

With less than a month until training camp, the new trend is wondering whether the Jets will trade for a No. 2 quarterback. 

After previously evaluating Titans backup Will Levis, let’s turn our attention to the Steelers’ Mason Rudolph.

Should the New York Jets trade for Pittsburgh Steelers backup Mason Rudolph?

Outside of the brief flirting with Russell Wilson, the external expectation has been that Bailey Zappe would be the No. 2 behind Smith. 

Then, Jets reporters started floating the idea that fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik could realistically beat out Zappe. 

Although Brady Cook remains on the 90-man roster, it is unclear how, if at all, he’d factor into the Jets’ backup quarterback competition.

Rudolph’s seat has been gradually getting hotter since the Steelers used a third-round pick on Penn State’s Drew Allar. 

And while Rudolph is an eight-year vet with 19 career starts, he’s not an ideal fit for the Jets. 

Rudolph is due $3 million in base salary, whereas Zappe is on a one-year, $1.21 million contract.  

Money isn’t the end-all, be-all, but I’d personally prefer not to pay $3 million for a mediocre backup. 

Perhaps the most vital question to ask of a backup quarterback is whether they can elevate a team in an emergency. 

Joe Flacco can fill that role, as can Mac Jones and Andy Dalton. 

Rudolph, though, is a fine depth arm. He’s good enough to step in for a game or two, but not to fill in for several weeks. 

If the Jets were borderline playoff contenders, this would be a far different conversation, given Rudolph’s starting experience. 

But, while the Jets should be improved, they’d need plenty to go their way for a Wild Card seed. 

Zappe vs. Klubnik is a topic for another day. 

Maybe things are on the upswing in New York, seeing as we’re actively debating who should be the backup behind a proven veteran in Geno Smith. 

Such is the magic of the Darren Mougey era, apparently. 

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