Mason Rudolph, currently serving as the backup to Aaron Rodgers, is increasingly being considered as a potential starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the upcoming 2026 season. As the Steelers assess their quarterback options, expectations are building around Rudolph’s standing. According to Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, speaking on 93.7 The Fan, there is a 50 percent likelihood that Rudolph could be the starting quarterback come the season opener.
Fittipaldo assessed Rodgers’ chances of returning for another season at 35 percent, noting the uncertainty surrounding the veteran quarterback’s future. Although he had previously hinted that 2025 would be his final season, Rodgers has since moderated those statements. This ongoing ambiguity complicates the Steelers’ decision-making process for the next season.
Fittipaldo also touched on the emergence of rookie quarterback Will Howard, but he placed his chances of starting at a mere 2 percent, indicating a lack of confidence in the backup options. Fittipaldo candidly remarked, “It’s gotta be somebody, so I’ll go 50,” to emphasize the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback role.
Adding to the intrigue, there’s the possibility that other teams, like the Minnesota Vikings, might pursue Rodgers if they decide to move on from their current quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. If Rodgers does not remain with Pittsburgh, moving forward with Rudolph, while competent, may not inspire confidence among fans or management alike, especially given his reputation as a backup quarterback.
Fittipaldo also acknowledged a 20 percent chance that the Steelers might explore acquiring another veteran quarterback, though he admitted the list of potential candidates remains unclear. The possibility of drafting a first-round rookie quarterback exists as well, but with the diminishing talent pool and Pittsburgh’s lower draft position, this scenario appears challenging.
As Pittsburgh heads into another offseason shrouded in uncertainty regarding their starting quarterback, they face a pivotal moment. The options before them—an aging Rodgers, a solid yet unremarkable Rudolph, a dive into the veteran free-agent market, or turning to rookies—leave many questions unanswered. While speculation may be premature, discussions about the future of the quarterback position are gaining traction as the Steelers look to solidify their direction ahead. With determination and the right choices, Pittsburgh could steer its quarterback situation toward a brighter future.