"Odd Man Out": Steelers Could Be Forced To Part Ways With Long-Time Veteran

The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again facing questions at the quarterback position. Many believe that Aaron Rodgers will return for the 2026 season, but he has yet to officially commit to playing for the organization. Regardless of what his final decision ends up being, the team needs a long-term answer under center. There has been plenty of optimism surrounding second-year signal-caller Will Howard; however, has yet to take a professional snap. Doubts will continue to pour in about him until he proves that he can be a possible answer and franchise guy in the Steel City.

The quarterback class for the 2026 NFL Draft is not being looked at as a stout group. However, there are some prospects that could be considered as works in progress. The Steelers might not need to even take a signal-caller if Rodgers returns, but it doesn't mean that the organization is ruling out the possibility. The right guy could be available at just the perfect time.

During a fan chat that was hosted on Tuesday, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo fielded several questions about the expected team's intentions in the coming weeks. While the front office waits for an answer from the four-time MVP, the insider is convinced that his decision will not influence the potential selection of a quarterback.

"I could definitely see them taking a QB with one of their third-round picks this year, especially if Rodgers does not come back," Fittipaldo wrote. "Even if Rodgers does play, they could still take one in the middle rounds."

The Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan taking a signal-caller would then give the depth chart four names, which never ends up working out, particularly in the Steel City. Someone chimed in to ask Fittipaldo about who the odd man out would be, and it wasn't even a question. Veteran backup Mason Rudolph would likely see his name appear on the trade block.

"Yes, Mason odd man out," Fittipaldo noted. "Not sure what you'd get in return. Maybe a sixth- or seventh-rounder."

The draft capital that the Steelers would get in return for Rudolph wouldn't be anything impressive, but the good news is that Pittsburgh would be able to wait until dealing him in this scenario. A training camp or preseason injury would immediately make Rudolph a bit more valuable. If there were to be plans to trade him, the move wouldn't have to happen right away.

Pittsburgh has historically always wanted to have a veteran backup. Rodgers and Rudolph both on the roster accomplished this in 2025, but Fittipaldo isn't sure that it would matter in 2026. The Steelers have been raving about Howard, and it would be time to put their money where their mouth is if the decision is made to also draft a quarterback.

"If they are truly high on Will Howard, I think they would trust him as the backup," Fittipaldo wrote. "And if Rodgers is injured, it would be the perfect situation to finally get a look at what Howard can do when the lights are on."

There are a lot of possibilities that the team currently has to weigh the pros and cons of. Rudolph has been around the franchise for a while, but with only one year left on his deal, could certainly be expendable if the opportunity arises to trade him for a 2027 draft pick.

Steelers Patiently Awaiting Final Word From Rodgers

It seems more likely that Rodgers would have retired by now instead of waiting and then hurting Pittsburgh with an unexpected decision near the NFL Draft. The overwhelming expectation is that he will be around for another season. Then, Howard should be next in line to get reps. If this is the plan, taking another young signal-caller would make perfect sense, specifically if the end goal is to trade Rudolph to a team that needs a reliable backup as the season nears.

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