Steelers QB Mason Rudolph Could Face Harsh Reality After Drew Allar Selection

The Pittsburgh Steelers were destined to select a mid-round quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers' current roster includes 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran backup Mason Rudolph. However, the team still awaits the decision of their starter from 2025, Aaron Rodgers, and hosted some young signal-callers with their top-30 visits. It appears the front office is not afraid to add a young arm and potentially load up the quarterback room, even with a potential Rodgers comeback. 

The Black and Gold made a big splash with their first pick of the third round (76 overall) when they selected Penn State University quarterback Drew Allar. Allar was considered one of the better prospects at his position in a draft that was top-heavy in quarterback talent. However, it took many fans by surprise that the team would prioritize a signal-caller so high when there could be three quarterbacks on the team already (if Rodgers ends up coming back). Allar is considered more of a project and could compete with Howard for reps in camp. However, the team seems to really like him.  

This addition of a quarterback could spell trouble for an existing gunslinger on the roster already. With the organization proving that they see something in Howard, it could mean the end for Rudolph. A room with Rodgers and two project quarterbacks could be possible, as a third-round pick like Allar wouldn't sit on the practice squad, and Howard seems to have the front office excited. 

On a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly spoke about Rudolph's future with the team, and it doesn't appear to be too good for him. 

"At this point right now, I don't see a path for Mason Rudolph making this team other than an injury," Kaboly said. 

The Steelers selecting another quarterback puts a lot of pressure on the guys like Rudolph and Howard, who may have to fight to remain on the team. It seems like Rudolph will get the short end of the stick. Rudolph could be shopped, and he was a part of rumors earlier in the 2026 offseason. With this pick, it would be extremely difficult to carry four QBs on the roster.

This situation will prevent one of the signal-callers from making the team. The team's faith in its young quarterbacks will hurt Rudolph. The veteran, who started many games for the Steelers due to injury, could be on the way out. He has been a loyal part of the organization, but the youth in the room along with the competition make it hard for someone like him to keep a roster spot. He has been very effective throughout his career in relief, and his absence could put the Steelers in a weird spot, especially if Rodgers went down. 

Letting Rudolph Go Could Be A Problem For The Steelers

If Rudolph were to be traded or cut, the Steelers would have two quarterbacks with no NFL snaps as their backups. If Rodgers were to sign and get hurt at some point, Pittsburgh would have no experience behind its veteran. The lack of experience in the locker room could indicate that they have a lot of trust in their young arms, or that if Rodgers were to go down, they just want a potential future starter, like Allar or Howard to get some reps. 

The Steelers are getting younger in the quarterback room, and this is all in anticipation of an eventual Rodgers retirement announcement at some point. If Allar or Howard can develop well, it would take some pressure off of drafting one in 2027, especially so highly. It seems like the franchise is moving in a direction where they're trying to find a future starter in the mid-to-late rounds before they invest a hefty pick in one in the future. Allar and Howard will have a chance to prove themselves throughout camp and in the preseason, where they can show what they can do. Unfortunately, this is not good news for Rudolph. 

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