While the Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to figure out what to do about legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they still have three quarterbacks on the roster. Veteran backup Mason Rudolph, second-year Will Howard, and third-round draft choice Drew Allar. If Rodgers comes back, will new head coach Mike McCarthy want to keep all four on the roster?
Insider Mark Kaboly has a thought on what the quarterback room could look like this year. He thinks they should keep Rudolph on as a backup, and then stash one of the younger quarterbacks on IR with a minor injury should it take place.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Appear to Be Bracing for an Aaron Rodgers Return
GettyMason Rudolph started one game last season while Aaron Rodgers sat out with a fractured wrist.
Here is what Kaboly had to say recently on social media about the idea of Rudolph staying on as the team’s top backup should Rodgers return:
“What they should do is keep Mason Rudolph on as their backup. You don’t talk about winning now, fill out your roster with win-now players and draft for the future because you like your roster so much, and then hope a 42-year-old quarterback stays healthy for 17 games. What I think they will do is go with Howard and Allar, with the outside possibility of (wink/nod) one of those two can get a minor injury that they could then stash on the IR for the season. Let’s not act like that hasn’t happened before.”
If the Steelers truly want to maximize the present with Rodgers and a lot of the veterans in the fold while preparing for the future, they might as well keep their veteran backups in the fold, too. In the case of the quarterback position, if they can find a way to keep Rodgers, Rudolph, Howard, and Allar in the building, that would be huge. McCarthy would have a quality backup at his disposal in case Rodgers goes down due to injury, and he would also have two possible quarterbacks of the future still there.
Keep in mind, too, that even though there were once trade rumors surrounding Rudolph, it is significant that the team hasn’t traded him yet. Perhaps that means they could know that Rodgers is returning.
This Quarterback Situation Is Perfect for Mike McCarthy
GettyMike McCarthy coached Aaron Rodgers for 13 seasons while with the Green Bay Packers (2006-2018).
After finishing the 2025 season as the 25th-ranked offense in the NFL, Pittsburgh made the move to hire a great offensive coach in McCarthy. His ability to develop good quarterbacks is also a bonus. While he has been around the likes of Joe Montana and Brett Favre, he helped develop the likes of Rodgers and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. If Rodgers returns and Rudolph isn’t traded, McCarthy will have two veteran quarterbacks in the room, along with two younger quarterbacks.
While it might be a little bumpy this upcoming season, the Steelers could have a great situation in front of them under center, especially down the road. After a strong offseason, this organization is on its way to having a bright future.
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