Steelers' Mason Rudolph addresses constant Aaron Rodgers chatter at start of OTAs

The Pittsburgh Steelers began the organized team activities portion of the offseason program on Tuesday with longtime backup Mason Rudolph penciled in as their starting quarterback. 

That said, it's widely believed Aaron Rodgers will eventually sign a contract that will make him Pittsburgh's QB1 for at least the 2025 season. 

On Tuesday, Rudolph spoke with reporters about the fact that he's likely little more than a placeholder for the club during springtime workouts. 

"It's nothing new to me," Rudolph said, as shared by Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. "There's been constant noise. That is the nature of the NFL, so I've been used to that for a long time now. Do nothing but be the best I can be and help our team get better this spring." 

A 2018 third-round draft pick, Rudolph has never been Pittsburgh's first-choice option to serve as a long-term answer at the sport's most important position. In total, he made just 13 starts for the club from 2018-23 before he spent last season with the Tennessee Titans. By the time he signed an inexpensive two-year deal to return to Pittsburgh in March, stories had already begun linking Rodgers with the Steelers. 

On Tuesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said during an on-air update that "everybody thinks" Rodgers will join the Steelers in time to be in the lineup for Week 1. If Rodgers ultimately rejects Pittsburgh, it's believed the club will reach out to the Atlanta Falcons about a possible trade for veteran Kirk Cousins. 

In short, it seems to outsiders that having Rudolph atop the depth chart on Labor Day is merely an emergency option for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

"Just control what I can control," Rudolph added about his unique situation. "Throw the ball well, lead the guys, play well when I get the chance." 

Fair or not, the perception exists that Rodgers is simply avoiding offseason workouts he deems unnecessary while in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career. He dealt with some significant physical setbacks last season before he turned 41 years old in December 2024, so it's possible that the Steelers will need Rudolph for more than mop-up duties this coming fall. 

"I just think it’s a special place," Rudolph added about returning to Pittsburgh this offseason, per Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. "I’ve got a lot of great friends and teammates. A lot of comfortability with Mike T. and the staff. [General manager Omar Khan] has put together a great roster. Who would not want to be a part of this team and this offense? It’s been a fun couple of months back."

It remains to be seen if Rudolph will have fun sharing a locker room with Rodgers during training camp.