The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and as free agency rolls on, time may be ticking away. Many reports have stated that there is actually a hard deadline this time around, although he denied it recently. The new league year is just around the corner, so if these reports are true, the decision will likely come very soon. Pittsburgh can't go into the offseason program with uncertainty about if he will sign a deal or not for a second consecutive year.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In his latest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Rodgers revealed who one of his favorite teammates ever was, as he helped the 42-year-old get through the 2025 season.
"I never met Mason Rudolph before," Rodgers said. "Mason is one of my favorite guys I've ever played with. Mason got me through every single day. He is just hilarious. He is such a naturally funny guy, and super dry and cutting, so we had a blast."
Of all the players for Rodgers to put very high on his favorites list, most people would not expect Mason Rudolph to be there. He is up there with special teamer Ben Skowronek for players that the former MVP bonded with quickly. If he does return for his 22nd NFL season, he may want to make sure that his buddies from the 2025 team all come back with him to make it more fun so he can get through it.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph in the locker room before a Week 3 matchup with the New England Patriots during the 2025 season.
Football is such a taxing sport, both physically and mentally. Having "naturally funny" guys like Rudolph around definitely help out a lot. At 42 years old going on 43, it would take a lot of motivation to return and get back to working this hard every single day. Without someone there to get him through "every single day," retirement may be a more appealing option than putting his body on the line on a weekly basis.
Rodgers also spoke glowingly about the other quarterbacks in the room, like how Will Howard has been working hard and "has the right moxie" for a young passer like him. He also laughed about Skylar Thompson being super quiet while still being a great person. With how he talks, he seemed to love Pittsburgh. No decision is made yet, but he is definitely considering a return to the Steel City for one more run.
Steelers May Take Away Rodgers' Reason To Return
Whether Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers or not, expectations are that Pittsburgh will draft a project quarterback in the middle rounds to learn and develop for a few years. That is also the case for Howard, as he still has a lot to learn due to missing most of training camp and all of preseason in his rookie year. With how high everyone in the organization speaks of him, he's not going anywhere.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to throw the ball as linebacker Jack Sawyer drops back into coverage.
If Rodgers returns or another veteran gets signed to be the starter, that will likely mean Rudolph would be the odd man out. He's a quality option for a backup, and clearly a great teammate from what was said earlier, but backups are replaceable, and developing young passers is more important than sticking with a veteran with a QB2 ceiling at this stage of his career.
Of course, anything can happen, and Rudolph will be allowed to compete for his spot on the roster. There is also the chance that someone unfortunately gets injured, like Howard in training camp in 2025. If that were to happen, Rodgers may have his new best friend by his side during 2026 if he decides to play again. If not, he may have a lot of trouble getting through every single day of the season.
What do you think about Rodgers praising Rudolph and the rest of the quarterback room? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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