Why Mason Rudolph shouldn't be odd man out in Steelers' QB room

In 2025, Rodgers played in 16 games and threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He had his hiccups, and the offense struggled to be explosive, but Rodgers was adequate throughout most of the season. It's possible a reunion with McCarthy could unleash more from Rodgers. 

Steelers can't afford to be without a veteran behind Rodgers

But he's also one year older — Rodgers will turn 43 in December. Regardless of how he plays, the odds he plays every game, or even reaches 16 again, are slim. And with Rodgers missing time inevitable and a serious injury possible, the Steelers will need to rely on Rudolph. 

A proven, reliable backup, Rudolph appeared in five games and started one last season. He completed 73.1% of his passes for 320 yards and tossed a pair of touchdowns and picks. In six NFL seasons, Rudolph has appeared in 36 games and started 19, starting five for the Tennessee Titans in 2024, his lone year away from Pittsburgh. He's 9-9-1 with 4,925 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. 

Rudolph is far from perfect, and losing Rodgers for any significant period of time will likely mean an end to the Steelers' hopes of contending. But neither Howard nor Allar will be ready to deliver a Rudolph-level performance if called upon.

Neither Will Howard nor Drew Allar is ready to lead the Steelers

The jury is still out on if the team success Howard, drafted in the sixth round by Mike Tomlin in 2024, enjoyed at Ohio State was due to being on a loaded national champion or if he has what it takes to translate his game to the NFL. 

As for Allar, McCarthy spent rookie mini-camp stripping down the Penn State product of his college habits and mechanics, suggesting the rookie is far away from being ready to lead the Steelers. 

At this point, trading Howard makes far more sense than getting rid of Rudolph, the only quarterback with any experience besides Rodgers on the roster. If Rodgers is the starter and Allar is the project, Howard, not Rudolph, should be the odd man out.