The focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers right now is the quarterback position, as no one truly knows Aaron Rodgers’ intentions. Of course, Rodgers came in for the 2025 season, and the result was better than expected. The offense remained in decent command, and Rodgers’ leadership was exceptional, which surprised many.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
He hinted at retirement during the 2025 season, but now there are rumblings that he wants one more run in Pittsburgh for the 2026 season. This time, it would be with his former head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl in Green Bay. Ahead of the 2025 season, the Steelers decided to bring back Mason Rudolph as a backup. They also drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of that draft. Rodgers has been a tremendous mentor to Howard, and McCarthy is reportedly all-in on trying to develop him.
With the No. 76 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select QB Mason Rudolphhttps://t.co/zoOD2EoA5O pic.twitter.com/IkbBGryzKo
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 28, 2018
However, looking toward the 2026 season, the Steelers still need clarity at the quarterback position, and it appears Rodgers is likely to announce he will return. Many expect that decision to come before April 23, when the 2026 NFL Draft begins in the Steel City. With so much focus on the quarterback decision and what’s going to happen with Rodgers, attention also shifts to Rudolph and Howard. Steelers insider Brian Batko revealed in his Steelers chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Monday that if certain things happen around the draft, then Rudolph’s future in the Steel City could once again be coming to an end.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to bet on him emerging from that foursome unscathed," Batko said in regards to Rudolph's time possibly ending in Pittsburgh. "Kind of like if you go golfing with Tiger Woods."
Batko compared the situation to going golfing with Tiger Woods, essentially implying it’s unlikely someone in that group comes out on top, and that one player is bound to be the odd man out. The Steelers drafted Rudolph in the 2018 NFL Draft with hopes he could develop behind Ben Roethlisberger. Unfortunately, that never fully panned out. Rudolph has been a reliable backup for the most part, but he never turned into the prospect Pittsburgh had hoped for when they selected him.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks on while quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) throws the football during practice.
If the Steelers make another aggressive move at quarterback during the 2026 NFL Draft, or even just a low-risk move, it could signal the end of Rudolph’s tenure in Pittsburgh once again. And as that competition intensifies, the comparison to Woods makes one thing clear, not everyone is walking away from this situation in a better position.
Steelers' Rudolph May Find Himself Battling Once Again
At the same time, the reality of the modern NFL makes these decisions even more urgent. Teams are constantly searching for long-term answers at quarterback, and patience can run thin when younger, more dynamic options are available. For Pittsburgh, balancing a win-now mindset with future development will be critical.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) scrambles for an important first down against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh's Week 16 34-11 win in 2023.
If Rudolph is pushed further down the depth chart, or loses his spot entirely, it won’t necessarily reflect failure on his part, but rather the organization’s shifting priorities. Still, with the draft approaching and uncertainty surrounding Rodgers, the pressure is on, and Rudolph may once again find himself fighting to prove he still belongs.
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