"Would Be A Mistake": Steelers Cautioned To Not Mess Up Quarterback Room

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been surrounded by quarterback rumors during the 2026 NFL offseason. As they did in 2025, the Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a career-altering decision. While they wait, the Black and Gold have hosted multiple signal-callers for top-30 visits. It seems that the front office and coaching staff want to take a long look at some of the mid-round talent in the draft. If Rodgers were to come back, that would mean that the Steelers would carry four quarterbacks total, assuming they draft one more next week. However, it would be an interesting process choosing who would make the roster. Fans are already placing bets at 1xbet login pakistan.

Currently, the Steelers have 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran backup Mason Rudolph on their roster. Rudolph has been surrounded by rumors of his own. His spot on the roster could be hanging in the balance if the Steelers draft a young quarterback -- especially with many having confidence in Howard. However, Rudolph has proven that he can be a solid backup. He was even a starter for Pittsburgh at various points throughout his career, including in 2025 while Rodgers nursed a wrist injury. 

Steelers writer Bob Labriola gave a strong opinion on Rudolph and how the higher-ups should handle deciding on him. 

"To cut or trade Mason Rudolph because of a rookie drafted in the third or fourth round before a camp/preseason competition would be a mistake in my opinion," Labriola wrote. 

Based on Rudolph's resume, he has proven to be a consistent and effective backup. He even led the Steelers to a playoff berth in the 2023-24 season, where he won three games in a row. His veteran status is irreplaceable, as he can be a valuable mentor for a young quarterback, like Howard. 

The Steelers already have a young quarterback in Howard. If Rodgers were to get hurt, it would be like throwing Howard to the wolves. It wouldn't be wise to carry two young arms and not even have a veteran there. Labriola's point is that the Steelers need to be completely enamored by their young arms if they want to cut or trade a vet like Rudolph. 

While Pittsburgh could look to add another young signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft, the way the roster shakes out would be interesting. There would be an odd man out there, but if Rudolph were to be moved, the team would lack any sort of experience behind, potentially, Rodgers. This contradicts the team's plan to stay competitive, as Rudolph has the experience to keep them there. Howard has yet to play a snap at the NFL level, and a rookie would have even less experience. This would be a very hard choice for Pittsburgh, and a lot of different factors would go into making these difficult quarterback personnel decisions. 

Steelers Drafting A QB Puts Pressure On Both Rudolph And Howard

If the Steelers were to draft a quarterback, it could leave two backup spots up for grabs between three arms. A competition there would be good as the team could find a direction in their quarterback depth, especially with the starting spot more than likely going to be open in 2027. The competition could bring an exciting storyline into camp and would prove to be interesting in how much the Steelers brass and new coaching staff believe in each of its quarterbacks. 

This draft will determine a lot for the Steelers, but their quarterback depth will certainly be an intriguing situation throughout the remainder of the 2026 offseason. A competition could be in order, and some big decisions will be made. Could Rudolph's job be on the line, or will they choose between some young quarterbacks? 

What do you think overall? Should the Steelers cut Rudolph in favor of a rookie? Follow us for more news! 

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