Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is competing for the starting job ahead of the 2025 season, while also being fully aware of a potential domino that could change his spot on the depth chart.
The Steelers and veteran Aaron Rodgers have had mutual interest for months, and if Rodgers does indeed land in Pittsburgh, he will be the starter for this coming season.
Mason Rudolph spoke with reporters Tuesday about how he is dealing with rumors that Rodgers could end up in Pittsburgh.
“Well, that’s nothing new to me. There’s been constant noise. That is the nature of the NFL,“ Rudolph said. ”So I’ve been used to that for a long time now. I do nothing but be the best I can be and help our team get better this spring.”
Rudolph added that he has not spoken with Rodgers at all and is unsure of his plans. He is simply doing whatever he can to be ready to play his best in 2025.
“Just control what I can control and throw the ball well, lead the guys and play well when I get the chance,” Rudolph said.
Mason Rudolph is back with the Steelers for the second time after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State.
The South Carolina native spent last year with the Tennessee Titans, completing 64 percent of his passes and throwing for 1,530 yards across eight games. Rudolph tossed 9 touchdowns and had 9 interceptions in 2024.
Rudolph also shared what he learned from that experience.
“Yea, I think just perspective and experience and a different staff and a different team,” he said. “A lot of adversity, but a lot of good lessons learned.”
While Rodgers joining the Steelers seems to be a real possibility, NFL insider Dan Graziano said that Pittsburgh is comfortable with Rudolph starting if need be.
“They don’t hate Mason Rudolph. He helped them get to the playoffs two years ago with the way he played in December. They feel like Mason Rudolph can play quarterback well enough that they can be a playoff team because of their defense and their run game,” Graziano said. “So, I think if Aaron Rodgers shows up, they’re fine with it. I think if he doesn’t show up, they’re fine with it, and they don’t feel like they’re sitting here waiting for Patrick Mahomes to make a decision.”