Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers have had enough of quarterback controversy. Unfortunately, this has been the norm in the Steel City since Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season. The organization is the only one throughout the entire league that can't legitimately project its starting signal-caller for the 2025 campaign. Aaron Rodgers still has yet to make a decision on his future, which is causing a big hold-up, and plenty of controversy. As long as he continues to take his time, front office members, coaches, players and ownership will all have to field questions from the media about the situation.
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Steelers President, Art Rooney II roams the sidelines prior to a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The longer the Rodgers saga has played out, the more opportunities members of the media have had to talk about the current make-up of the Steelers' quarterback room. Due to the franchise's prowess, every move will always be analyzed. When you mix that fact with the possibility of a future Hall of Fame quarterback signing in Pittsburgh, it's going to generate headlines and controversy.
The topic has been discussed on television shows, podcasts, and many other forms of media and journalism. Late on Thursday evening, a new episode of Nightcap was released, and former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson had plenty to say about where the Steelers are at currently. He doesn't believe a soul in the building has been honest when expressing confidence in the player that is currently at the top of the depth chart: Mason Rudolph.
"That's all words," Johnson said. "That's hot air; they have to say those things. They've got to say the right thing, especially when the individual is back in the building. You know you don't believe in him. You know he's not going to get the job done - second-string quarterback, third-string quarterback, if that. You need an Aaron Rodgers."
Rudolph had a strong stretch for Pittsburgh at the end of the 2023 season before leaving in free agency. He quickly returned via a 2025 free agency deal that should keep him in the Steel City through the 2026 season. While Rudolph has starting experience, it is impossible to deny that a four-time MVP in Rodgers wouldn't be a better option when it comes to the team's starting quarterback throughout the upcoming season.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin shakes hands with former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a game as quarterback Russell Wilson looks on in the background.
Johnson has been in plenty of situations as an 11-year NFL veteran. He's right to say that no one in the locker room is going to come out and bash Rudolph publicly. As it stands with Organized Team Activities (OTAs) right around the corner, Rudolph is the franchise's starting quarterback. That could change in the blink of an eye, but everyone in the organization is going to talk positively about him, instead of the other way around.
Pittsburgh has found a way to botch the quarterback position in each of the last three seasons. After the 2025 campaign wraps up, there will likely still not be a long-term answer, unless something drastic happens with Will Howard. Johnson's comments, however, do highlight the fact that it is very possible that everyone inside the Steelers' building is confident in Rudolph when in front of the cameras, but may not be screaming with excitement internally.
Rudolph is a respected veteran, but has mainly made a living as a career backup quarterback. Based on the contract he signed, it is expected that he will be just that in Pittsburgh. At the end of the day, everything will hinge on what Rodgers decides to do.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) runs a drill and gets ready to throw a football during a 2022 team training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Can't Wait Much Longer For Rodgers
It is important for a quarterback, especially a newcomer from the outside, to build a rapport with his offense and teammates as a whole. Rodgers has not had much of an opportunity to do that, but Rudolph has, based on his previous stint in Pittsburgh. He also returned via free agency in March, while Rodgers has camped out in California contemplating his future. It would be best for all parties involved if a decision comes very soon from the future Hall of Famer.
Do you think that the Steelers don't actually have confidence in Rudolph? Let us know in the comments below!
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