After agreeing on a new one-year deal with veteran Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to allow backup Mason Rudolph to explore a trade before the 2026 season. Rudolph, a former third-round pick, spent his first six seasons with the Steelers attempting to establish himself as a reliable starter following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. However, the QB left for free agency after the team didn’t offer a new deal and joined the Titans, sharing the field with Will Levis.
Now, the Steelers brought him back to help back up Rodgers last season, but it looks like the team will let him join a roster that needs more QB depth. Pittsburgh agreed to sign Rodgers to a deal worth up to $25 million with a base salary expected to be between $22 – $23 million. While other sources suggest that the Steelers should retain Rudolph, it wouldn’t make sense for the development of 2026 draft pick Drew Allar and Will Howard. They say it would help develop Howard and Allar, but Howard arrived in the league last year.
He had some time to learn from Rodgers last year, so the Steelers should roll the dice on him to become the new backup. It’d benefit Allar to swoop in and see some playing time from Howard if Rodgers goes down.
Mason Rudolph
Main Photo: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
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Meanwhile, Rudolph would probably prefer to join a team where he could have a shot at competing for the starting job. He’s entering the final year of his current deal, so why should the Steelers hold him hostage as a backup once again? You’d never know if Rodgers decides to play the waiting game next offseason, which would leave questions either way about Rudolph as a backup, so the Steelers should get something in return for him.
Potential Destinations
Atlanta Falcons
After bringing in Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback spot, the Atlanta Falcons officially have one of the worst QB rooms in the league. Tagovailoa is too inconsistent and has a strong history of injuries. Meanwhile, Penix Jr. showed some flashes, but he’s coming off a season-ending injury. The Falcons may have to consider this season to be a “bridge” year, especially with the team hiring Kevin Stefanski.
Rudolph won’t be the long-term QB for the Falcons, but he’d have a better chance in Atlanta to become the starter and have a decent season, unlike Pittsburgh.
Carolina Panthers
While the Carolina Panthers picked up QB Bryce Young’s fifth-year option, they’re not fully committed to the starter just yet. After a rough rookie campaign to no fault of his own, the Panthers are waiting to see if they may replicate what he did last season. Young played much better, which is partly due to Carolina’s defense and WR Tetairoa McMillan.
It just got better with the Panthers this offseason. The team signed LBs Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips to fortify the pass-rush while drafting Chris Brazzell to strengthen the receiving unit. Jalen Coker is returning, too, so depending on how this season plays out, there is no guarantee that Young is safe. After trading Andy Dalton, the team luckily signed Kenny Pickett. Rudolph could compete with him for the backup job to later start for this offense if Young lacks.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, even though Anthony Richardson returned after requesting a trade, the Colts could just cut him. It’s obvious that Richardson doesn’t want to be there, and the team has moved on with Daniel Jones. No matter if Richardson is gone or not, the Colts should trade for Rudolph to back up Jones.