Steelers' New Coaching Staff Makes Their Feelings On Mason Rudolph Crystal Clear

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to give every quarterback on the roster opportunities throughout OTAs, minicamp and training camp as the team continues evaluating its depth behind starter and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. It is no secret that Steelers fans are thrilled to finally have clarity at the most important position in football, and arguably all of sports, heading into the 2026 season. Head Coach Mike McCarthy, in his first year with Pittsburgh, gets the quarterback he once won a Super Bowl with, albeit at a much different stage in both of their careers. While it is a cool storyline, it also leaves questions about how the depth chart behind Rodgers will shake out with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar all competing for positioning. Howard and Allar are also expected to benefit from learning behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Young quarterbacks are likely to receive plenty of reps with different units as the coaching staff gets a longer look at what each player can bring heading into the season. That has already led to speculation about where certain quarterbacks could land on the depth chart, especially when it comes to the younger and more exciting options like Howard and Allar. However, the Steelers are not expected to make any major decisions based solely on early offseason practices, where reps are often rotated and experimented with from day to day.

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac revealed that Rudolph is still viewed as the team’s No. 2 quarterback. That is significant because at one point many believed Rudolph could eventually become trade bait if one of the younger quarterbacks impressed early. If Dulac is correct, though, the Steelers clearly view Rudolph as an important piece for the 2026 season, and his role appears to be safe heading into training camp. 

"Mason Rudolph is the No. 2 QB till proven otherwise," Dulac said. "Howard and Allar are going to get as many looks as possible in OTAs, minicamp and training camp. But until someone proves otherwise, Mason is No. 2. But don't be naive enough to see who is taking snaps with what unit on the FIRST DAY OF OTAS! Or any day of OTAs."

Dulac also cautioned against overreacting to which quarterbacks are taking snaps with certain units during the first days of OTAs, noting that the Steelers will use the offseason program to evaluate everyone before making any changes to the pecking order.

As for Rudolph, it does appear that his veteran presence will save him, at least during the early stages of the 2026 offseason and regular season. The Steelers clearly value having an experienced backup quarterback behind Rodgers.

Steelers Must Keep Reliable Veteran Option Behind Aging Rodgers

With Rodgers set to turn 43 years old during the 2026 season, it is pivotal for Pittsburgh to have a reliable veteran option waiting behind him. Rudolph may not be the flashiest quarterback in the room, but he is familiar with the organization and has experience playing meaningful games when called upon.

That is exactly why Rudolph’s role appears safe for now. Until Howard and Allar get acclimated to NFL speed and prove themselves in real game situations, it would be far too risky for the Steelers to move away from a dependable veteran backup behind an aging Rodgers.

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