Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets emerge as strong landing spots for Steelers' $7.5 million QB amid Aaron Rodgers' return.(Image via X)The Pittsburgh Steelers’ popular player Mason Rudolph has been a regular name in the trade market ever since the team ended up signing Aaron Rodgers for his last season. Amid all the mess, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets have emerged as potential landing spots for Mason Rudolph.CategoryDetailsPlayerMason RudolphCurrent TeamPittsburgh SteelersRumored TeamsArizona Cardinals, New York JetsContract StatusFinal Year of Contract (Entering second year of a 2-year, $7.5M deal)Salary Cap Hit (New Team)$3.0 Million (Acquiring team inherits only his non-guaranteed base salary)Trade LikelihoodHigh Latest Insider UpdateArizona Cardinals and the New York Jets have emerged as potential landing spotsPotential ReturnLate-Day Draft Pick (Steelers are expected to net a 6th or 7th-round selection)Which teams are interested in Mason Rudolph?In the last few weeks, a number of teams have been linked to the 30 year old popular quarterback.Amid this, as per NFL insiders, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets are reportedly interested in acquiring him.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few days ago, Steelers Wire’s Andrew Vasquez noted in a recent report, “Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett is holding out in search of a new deal, and a resolution may be far away. Howard would give the Cardinals a potential future starting option to compete with rookie quarterback Carson Beck, while Rudolph would give Arizona exactly what it had in Brissett: veteran stability.”Steelers Wire’s Andrew Vasquez added, “If the Jets truly are all in on Geno Smith in 2026, Rudolph is an ideal trade target as both a viable fail-safe if the veteran fails to deliver and a top-backup option in case of injury. Howard, on the other hand, would compete alongside Cade Klubnik as the potential long-term answer at quarterback.”Contract details and salary cap implicationsFor the Pittsburgh Steelers, trading Mason Rudolph would immediately clear $3 million in salary cap space for the team.But the Pittsburgh Steelers will be left with a $1.62 million dead money penalty from his remaining signing bonus.How could the trade impact the teams?For the Pittsburgh Steelers, trading Mason Rudolph immediately frees up $3 million for the team. This will also help the team to focus on developing young backups Drew Allar and Will Howard behind Aaron Rodgers.For the Arizona Cardinals, trading for Mason Rudolph seems pretty affordable as he can be a reliable and low risk backup behind Kyler Murray.For the New York Jets, Mason Rudolph would be pretty affordable for the team and would provide an immediate, stable veteran upgrade to back up Geno Smith.