Aaron Rodgers is back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reportedly getting a one-year deal done with the team just two days before OTAs open Monday. That leaves the Steelers with four quarterbacks, including 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar. With Mason Rudolph the other quarterback in the room, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he became the odd man out.
The Steelers could roster four quarterbacks. It would be unusual and leave the Steelers light at other positions. I don’t foresee that being the case. Exposing Howard to waivers for the purpose of sending him to the practice squad, which would happen after training camp, is a risky proposition, and there’s zero chance Allar goes anywhere as a third-round pick.
That leaves Rudolph as the most likely option, and Ian Rapoport reported during the draft that the Steelers are open to trading Rudolph. It’s probably not a move that happens imminently, but as we get closer to the start of the season, a Rudolph trade could be in the cards.
The Steelers usually carry four quarterbacks on their roster into training camp, and that isn’t going to change. If the Steelers get an offer they like for Rudolph before then, they’ll find another quarterback to bring in for camp. But as it stands now, I’d expect the four quarterbacks on the roster to be there for training camp.
That’s when things could get interesting. Injuries could make teams desperate, and Rudolph is more than capable as a backup. While he lost his lone start last season, he’s a fine No. 2 option. The Steelers, though, need to see what they have in Howard, and given how much praise he’s gotten this offseason, it sure sounds as if Mike McCarthy and the organization are ok going into the season with him as their No. 2.
With just one year left on his deal, there should be suitors for Rudolph. The Steelers can get a late Day 3 pick back and move forward with Rodgers and the two young quarterbacks. The worst-case scenario would be needing to cut Rudolph if the trade market doesn’t materialize, but it’s just hard to see him being a real part of the team’s plans in 2026. He’s been a consummate professional and played well enough when called upon by the Steelers, but the roster squeeze is real with two young quarterbacks waiting in the wings behind Rodgers.
Recommended for you