Mason Rudolph: Everything you need to know

Rudolph will be relegated to a backup role again in 2026, as Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Steelers on Monday. Rodgers will reclaim the starting role he possessed in 2025, leaving Rudolph to battle for the second spot on the depth chart with 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar (ankle). If one of the younger quarterbacks shows promise in training camp, the Steelers could also opt to trade Rudolph to a team seeking an experienced backup. Rudolph has posted a 9-9-1 record in 19 regular-season starts split between the Steelers and Titans, including a loss in his lone start of 2025 with Pittsburgh while Rodgers was sidelined by a wrist injury.

Rudolph completed 38 of 52 passes for 310 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing seven times for six yards over five appearances during the 2025 regular season. The bulk of Rudolph's playing time during the regular season came in the middle of the year, as he entered the team's Week 11 matchup against Cincinnati in relief after Aaron Rodgers got hurt before starting against the Bears in Week 12. Rudolph will remain under contract with the Steelers for the 2026 campaign, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the team bring in other options at quarterback if Aaron Rodgers retires during the offseason.

With Aaron Rodgers (wrist) cleared to play Sunday against the Bills, Rudolph will return to QB2 duties for the Steelers. Rudolph started last Sunday's loss to the Bears and completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards (5.5 yards per attempt), one touchdown and one interception. He'll return to clipboard duties for the Steelers.