Steelers' Mason Rudolph Could Have An Edge In The Fight For Pittsburgh's Starting Quarterback Spot

The 2025 NFL Draft is over, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are without a clear starting quarterback. If they don't sign a veteran before the start of the upcoming season, it will likely come down to Mason Rudolph. Many were surprised that the Steelers didn't take a quarterback in earlier rounds this year. It can be debated however, that rookie Will Howard is starter quality as is, and the first-year player undeniably has a high ceiling. Given Rudolph's experience with the Steelers' offense and familiarity with the team though, he has an edge in the fight for the starting quarterback position in 2025.

On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor spoke on 97.1's The Fan's Bishop and Friends about the Steelers' quarterback situation. Pryor stressed that Rudolph was well-liked and respected in the Steelers organization and that his experience with the team in the past gave him a better likelihood of landing the starting spot going forward.

"I have been told from people in the building that not only does the coaching staff buy into him, but the guys in the locker room really like Mason Rudolph," said Pryor. "I think he earned a lot of credibility with this offense, the way he finished out the 2023 season. If you remember, that was Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett. Kenny Pickett gets hurt, it just all fell apart, and Mason Rudolph had to be the guy to come in there and salvage the season and get them to the playoffs. I do think he has a lot of cache built up in the organization.

Rudolph did a good job of picking up the reins at the end of the 2023 season and finishing strong. The season still ended in the Steelers' being a first-round exit in the playoffs, but Rudolph's contributions weren't forgotten by Pittsburgh. 

While Rudolph may have the respect of many in the Steelers organization, it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room. The team allowed Rudolph to leave as a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. It's hard to imagine that Rudolph is Pittsburgh's first choice, and not just a backup plan. Howard was not widely projected to be a starting quarterback once he was drafted. However, although unlikely, Howard could prove to be a hidden gem and beat Rudolph out for the starting spot in training camp.

Ultimately, the answer won't be clear until further into the offseason. However, there could be a wild card thrown in that disrupts the competition. If the Steelers sign a veteran such as Aaron Rodgers, or acquire someone like Kirk Cousins, they are likely to swoop in and take the starting spot right off the bat.

Steelers' Quarterback Dilemma Didn't End With The Draft

At first, it seemed that the Steelers were willing to wait for a decision from Rodgers. However, as Rodgers takes longer and longer to give the Steelers an answer, the possibility becomes less likely he signs in Pittsburgh. Rodgers cited personal reasons as the biggest factor stopping him from making a decision already. It could also be that he simply isn't excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. With that said, some believe Rodgers will give his decision by the time Organized Team Activities (OTAs) roll around.

Whatever the case, the Steelers have needed to explore their other options out of necessity. Pittsburgh has to have prepared for a scenario in which they are unable to sign Rodgers. In that event, the team's best chance to land a promising quarterback would have likely been in the draft. However, while the Steelers did wait until the later rounds to take a signal-caller, it may be that they see Howard as their starter-caliber quarterback.

Do you think Rudolph should be the Steelers' starter for the upcoming season? Do you think Howard has a shot at becoming the starter in his rookie year? Let us know in the comments.

#SteelerNation