Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers connected to trading Mason Rudolph.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are connected to trading a veteran quarterback as the team continues to wait on Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason in what he hinted at could be his final season. Yet, he played well, and all signs point to Rodgers returning in 2026. But as of right now, no deal has been reached.
However, if Rodgers does return, it’s expected that Will Howard will be his backup, and the team could draft one. With that, Steelers analyst Andrew Vasquez of SteelersWire named Mason Rudolph as a potential trade candidate.
“If the Steelers ultimately decide to select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, don’t be surprised if Rudolph winds up as draft capital,” Vasquez wrote. “With Will Howard and potentially Aaron Rodgers as guaranteed roster locks, Rudolph would be the odd man out if a rookie signal-caller enters the mix.”
Rudolph could very well be traded for a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’d serve as a solid backup option for another team. The Steelers selected Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and after six years with the team, he signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. But after just one season with the Titans, he re-signed with the Steelers on a two-year deal.
Rudolph threw for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions last season with the Steelers.
Steelers Expected to Draft a Quarterback
Part of the reason why the Steelers could look to trade Rudolph is that the team is expected to draft a quarterback.
NFL analyst Saad Youssef of The Athletic believes the team will draft a quarterback. That quarterback would serve as a third quarterback behind Rodgers and Howard.
“The Steelers continue to wait on a decision from Aaron Rodgers,” Youssef wrote. “If the 21-year veteran returns for another season, the Steelers could return the same quarterback depth chart from a year ago.
“If Rodgers doesn’t return, Mason Rudolph could be elevated to the starting spot, making Will Howard the new backup. Regardless of Rodgers’ decision, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers add a quarterback in the draft.”
The Steelers will likely use a Day 2 or Day 3 pick on a quarterback. The team has been linked to the likes of Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and Carson Beck.
Rodgers Decision Coming
After the Steelers lost in the playoffs, the immediate question was whether or not Rodgers would return to the team.
Although Rodgers has yet to sign a contract, all signs point to him returning, and owner Art Rooney II said a decision is coming.
“I have not talked to (Rodgers). Coach (Mike McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly,” Rooney told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “I think a decision is coming soon. I would say by the draft I would expect an answer.”
Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title and a playoff berth, and is likely to play one more year for Pittsburgh. The Steelers also hired his old head coach, Mike McCarthy, which could entice Rodgers to return.