The Pittsburgh Steelers are still trying to figure out the franchise's quarterback situation with the NFL Draft just a few of weeks away. As of right now, the only quarterbacks on Pittsburgh's roster for the 2025 season are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. The team is still pursuing Aaron Rodgers, but the veteran is taking his time in making a decision on his future. All signs are pointing to Rodgers being the starter in 2025, but a lot can happen that can change that.
Pittsburgh is currently the only realistic landing spot for Rodgers, although retirement is probably another thing on the 41-year-old's mind. Either way, it is not a sure thing that Rodgers will be wearing the black and gold in 2025, so Pittsburgh is going to need a backup plan. The organization brought back Rudolph, who has starting experience in Pittsburgh, but most of the fan base isn't excited about the idea of him being the starting quarterback.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spoke up in defense of the idea of Rudolph starting on the most recent episode of Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger. His co-host brought up the fact that the Steelers have playmakers on offense now, and the team just needs someone that can get them the ball.
"Mason can do that," Roethlisberger said. "Mason can throw the ball, he can make decisions and go."
The idea of Rudolph being relied upon as the starting quarterback for 17 games probably doesn't make a lot of fans happy in the Steel City, but he could excel with wide receivers like DK Metcalf and George Pickens. Roethlisberger made sure to note that Rudolph could get the job done if needed, and that is exactly why the organization decided to bring him back after one year away from the team.
Roethlisberger and Rudolph did play together as Rudolph was drafted by the team in 2018. Rudolph served as a backup to Roethlisberger for four seasons, although there wa some rumors of the two not getting along. Roethlisberger felt disrespected by the organization since it used a third-round pick on Rudolph, which created some obvious tension between the two players.
Rudolph stepped in for an injured Roethlisberger on a few occasions, but he has his most notable stint as a Steeler at the end of the 2023 season. He came in at the end of the year and led Pittsburgh to three consecutive wins which punched the franchise's ticket to the postseason. Pittsburgh went 3-0 in the three games Rudolph started, and the quarterback threw for 716 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions over that time. Most of that production came in two contests, as Pittsburgh's Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens was played in a monsoon.
Steelers' Mason Rudolph Elevated Those Around Him
Pittsburgh's offense looked fantastic under Rudolph in 2023, and he made the players around him better. Pickens had the best games of his professional career while catching passes from Rudolph as the wide receiver tallied 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Rudolph's first start. Pickens should be able to return to that form, and maybe be even better with another receiving threat like Metcalf being on the other side of the field.
It is unlikely the Steelers enter the 2025 season with Rudolph as the starter as all signs point to Rodgers eventually signing in Pittsburgh. If he doesn't for some reason, then the Steelers will probably draft a quarterback to sit behind Rudolph. At some point during the year, the rookie could take over, but the organization is comfortable with Rudolph stepping into the starting role. Only time will tell what will happen at the quarterback position for the Steelers, but contrary to popular belief, the organization has some options.
