Author: Adam La Rose

Once it became clear neither Justin Fields nor Russell Wilson would return to the Steelers in 2025, the team pivoted to other options at the quarterback spot. One of those was a reunion with Mason Rudolph.

The former third-rounder drew interest from the Giants in free agency, but before a visit could be arranged he signed a two-year, $7.5MM deal to return to Pittsburgh. That pact came against the backdrop of the Titans showing interest in a 2025 arrangement after he played there last year, but Rudolph’s preference was to re-join the team that drafted him.

Owner Art Rooney II made it clear this offseason that Pittsburgh would target a starting-caliber passer in this year’s draft or the 2026 event, and of course for much of the spring the possibility of an Aaron Rodgers signing has loomed over the organization. Rudolph has been made aware of the team’s plans under center throughout this process, though. The 29-year-old declined to get into specifics about conversations he had on that front, but Rudolph made it clear he knew competition would be coming after he signed.

“I assumed they were going to sign people and add to the roster because they always go to training camp with four quarterbacks,” the Oklahoma State product said (via Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show). “I knew that going in. I am going to respect the privacy of what [general manager] Omar [Khan] told me specifically. That’s for him to decide when, or whatever, they add a fourth.”

Rodgers and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin have remained in contact, and in the middle of the draft Rooney repeated his confidence that the four-time MVP will eventually sign. The latest development on that front saw the end of May floated as a potential deadline, and if Rodgers is in place by then (or later), he will take on starting duties for 2025. Until and unless that happens, however, Rudolph is atop the depth chart with the backing of Tomlin and Co. to handle QB1 duties if needed.

In 2023, a Kenny Pickett injury opened the door for Rudolph to take over starting duties; he remained in that role even after Pickett was healthy down the stretch and through the wild-card round. Rudolph’s three interception-free starts helped get Pittsburgh into the postseason, although he struggled during the team’s loss to the Bills (during which he did throw a pick). Still, that showing gave Pittsburgh confidence in reuniting with him for at least a backup role in 2025.

The Steelers drafted Will Howard in the sixth round last month and still have Skylar Thompson in the fold in advance of training camp. Rodgers could join that group, but even if that does take place Rudolph will not be caught off guard.

The 2025 draft came and went without any clarity emerging on the Aaron Rodgers front, leading to further questions regarding where (if at all) he will play this year. If the future Hall of Famer suits up, Pittsburgh remains the likeliest destination.

The Steelers are still “optimistic” Rodgers will sign, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. Team and player have remained in contact well after meeting in person during free agency, but the 41-year-old’s most recent public comments on his situation made it clear personal matters are the top priority for now. A starting gig would await Rodgers upon arrival in Pittsburgh, especially if his stated willingness to take a one-year pact for as little as $10MM holds true.

Mason Rudolph returned to the organization after a one-year absence, and the Steelers have repeatedly expressed confidence in his ability to handle QB1 duties for at least the 2025 campaign. As Graziano writes, Pittsburgh’s stance on the quarterback situation is more positive internally than it is viewed from the outside. Skylar Thompson and sixth-round rookie Will Howard round out the depth chart at this point.

The Steelers fully intend to bring four signal-callers to training camp, per usual. As a result, an addition of some kind will need to be made, and Kirk Cousins looms as the other notable veteran who could be obtained (albeit via trade, and in a manner which would no doubt require a more lucrative financial commitment than a Rodgers signing). The Vikings are – in all likelihood – no longer in the market for an addition under center, taking Rodgers’ preferred team out of the running.

Shedeur Sanders loomed as an option for the Steelers at pick No. 21 last month, but the team was split on drafting the Colorado product. Pittsburgh waited until much later to add a developmental rookie, with owner Art Rooney II saying in between that Rodgers wants to play for his team in 2025. A short-term arrangement would leave open the possibility of adding a starting-caliber rookie next year, thus meeting Pittsburgh’s goal of acquiring a long-term passer within the 2025 or ’26 drafts.

Rudolph helped lead the Steelers to the postseason in 2023 upon taking over from Kenny Pickett. The latter was unable to deliver on expectations as a Ben Roethlisberger successor, something Rodgers will of course not be viewed as even in the event he signs. An agreement on that front would nevertheless add intrigue to the prospects for a team whose regular season schedule begins with a Jets matchup and includes a Week 8 Sunday night contest in Green Bay.