The Pittsburgh Steelers could make a surprising decision with Mason Rudolph.
Pittsburgh has a question mark at quarterback as Aaron Rodgers has yet to re-sign, despite all signs that he will. If the Steelers do bring back Rodgers, Will Howard is expected to be the backup. And, the team could also draft a quarterback on Day 2 or Day 3.
If the Steelers do draft another quarterback, it leaves Rudolph in an odd position. Yet, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was on 93.7 The Fan’s “The PM Team, and hinted at Pittsburgh trading Rudolph for a lackluster return.
“I think Mason Rudolph would be the odd man out to be honest with you,” Fittipaldo said. “Assuming Aaron Rodgers comes back, we all know they like Will Howard, and we all know they aren’t going to keep four quarterbacks. It would be unfortunate for him. But maybe they could flip him to another team for a sixth- or seventh-round pick that’s looking for another veteran quarterback.”
The Steelers getting a late-round pick wouldn’t be the best return. But, Pittsburgh could very well draft a quarterback with the pick the team gets for Rudolph and try to sneak them onto the practice squad and be a developmental quarterback.
Regardless, it does appear that Rudolph’s time in Pittsburgh appears to be over ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday.
Steelers Linked to Carson Beck
One quarterback that Pittsburgh has been connected to ahead of the NFL Draft is Carson Beck.
The Steelers have been linked to multiple options, but Fittipaldo believes Beck likely makes the most sense for Pittsburgh.
“Beck has the size and arm talent to compete in the division,” Fittipaldo added. “McCarthy and Khan have talked up Will Howard this offseason, but Beck gives them another developmental quarterback with the potential to start someday.”
Beck led the Mimai Hurricanes to the National Championship game a year ago. He threw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Along with Beck, Pittsburgh has hosted Drew Allar, Cole Payton, and Taylen Green on pre-draft visits.
Latest on Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh has been hoping Rodgers would return and make his decision before the NFL Draft.
However, with the draft just days away, Rodgers has yet to sign a contract, and it’s likely he won’t before the NFL Draft, according to Ian Rapoport.
“The Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future. And there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft, per me and @TomPelissero. When minicamp begins today under new coach Mike McCarthy, Will Howard will be QB1,” Rapoport wrote on X.
Rodgers has been taking his time on his decision. But, it’s not the worst thing as the Steelers could give Will Howard the starter reps this offseason, which will benefit him.
“At this point in the offseason, these reps are more important for Will Howard, a sixth-round pick last year who has many fans — including Aaron Rodgers,” Pelissero added.
Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions last season. He led Pittsburgh to an AFC North title.
Steelers Could Make Surprising Move With Mason Rudolph Amid Rodgers Uncertainty