Mason Rudolph
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NFL analyst Chris Hoke delivered high praise on Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may not have many great options at quarterback if Aaron Rodgers decides to ride off into the sunset, one analyst warns.
The Steelers are still waiting for a decision from Rodgers, who has gone through an annual contemplation of retirement. It wasn’t until late in the spring that he signed with the Steelers last year, and he has already gone through the first round of the team’s offseason practices without a decision.
The uncertainty of this offseason could put the Steelers in a tough situation for the coming season.
Mason Rudolph Not Inspiring Confidence
If Rodgers decides to retire, the Steelers may not have many good options for an in-house replacement, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine warns. In an assessment of the quarterback “panic meter” for all 32 NFL teams, Ballentine put the Steelers at a 7 out of 10.
“Mason Rudolph could be the starter if Rodgers opts to retire,” Ballentin wrote. “He’s a reasonable backup option, but downright disappointing if he’s the starter.”
Ballentine added that the Steelers will have to address the future of their quarterback situation one way or another, even if Rodgers chooses to return.
“Regardless of whether Rodgers returns, there is still considerable uncertainty about 2027 and beyond that should have the Steelers considering QB options in this class,” Ballentine wrote. “They seem to like Will Howard after drafting him in the sixth round last year, but he alone is not a viable succession plan.”
Rudolph made five appearances with one start last season, completing 73.1% of his passes for 310 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has plenty of experience, making 19 starts over his seven NFL seasons.
Blessing in Disguise for Will Howard
The Rodgers situation could be a boon for Howard, who has not gotten much of a chance to show his potential. SI.com’s Noah Strackbein suggested that Howard could benefit from the “chaos” surrounding Rodgers, giving him more time on the field and the Steelers a better chance to understand his potential.
“If Rodgers doesn’t show up before then, the Steelers get time to look at their other QBs. Before the NFL Draft, that means a lot of reps for Will Howard,” Strackbein wrote. “Pittsburgh has preached that Howard is their favorite right now to be the long-term solution at quarterback after Rodgers. But he hasn’t taken many NFL snaps.”
Strackbein added that Howard will benefit from a full offseason with new head coach Mike McCarthy, and any newly added rookie will as well.
“Then, after the NFL Draft, you’d get Howard and likely a rookie who can get more snaps than usual as well,” Strackbein wrote. “Again, establishing an idea of where your second young passer is coming into the league.”
Though Rodgers has not given many hints of his plans, many insiders expect he will eventually return to the Steelers with a new contract. The Steelers struggled in 2025 but still managed to snatch the division away from the Baltimore Ravens, and would likely compete for a playoff spot again if Rodgers returns under center.