Experience is currency in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers understand that better than most franchises. For the past several seasons, the organization has continuously gambled on veterans instead of inexperienced gunslingers with untapped potential. It is the exact reason Aaron Rodgers showed up to OTAs. It is also why Mason Rudolph currently remains on Pittsburgh’s roster.
But after hearing offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio discuss Rudolph recently, I am starting to believe the veteran quarterback’s days in Pittsburgh could already be numbered.
“I think Mase [Mason Rudolph] is just like all of them,” Angelichio expressed to reporters.
The statement immediately triggered alarms in my mind.
The only quarterbacks Angelichio could have been alluding to were rookie Drew Allar and second-year quarterback Will Howard. Both players possess upside and need development. But they also currently have zero meaningful years of NFL experience attached to their resumes.
“He’s played a lot of football, he’s a veteran,” Angelichio later added. “We’re going to continue to develop them all.”
That final sentence stood out more than anything else.
It is obvious Angelichio does not plan on “developing” Rodgers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback already has decades of experience under his belt. He arrived in Pittsburgh to stabilize the offense and help the Steelers compete. So when Angelichio grouped Rudolph with the younger quarterbacks, it painted an interesting picture about how Pittsburgh’s coaching staff currently views him.
And honestly, it is not the most comforting sign for Rudolph’s future.
Mason Rudolph must prove he's worth keeping on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster
I do not expect Rudolph to suddenly transform into the Steelers’ savior.
At this point in his career, he is an NFL journeyman with an extensive résumé as a backup quarterback. Since entering the league in 2018, Rudolph has appeared in 34 games while maintaining a respectable 64.5 percent completion rate. His 4,925 passing yards and 30 touchdowns are difficult to completely dismiss, even if they arrived alongside 22 interceptions and 35 sacks taken.
The production is not elite. But it is serviceable.
More importantly, Rudolph understands how to survive in this league. It matters for a Steelers franchise trying to balance immediate expectations with long-term quarterback development.
I do not believe Rudolph is the long-term solution in Pittsburgh. That role likely belongs to one of the younger quarterbacks waiting behind Rodgers. Still, Rudolph should remain a plausible QB2 option if Rodgers becomes unavailable during the season. He has experience and understands the pressure attached to the Steelers organization. He also carries enough arm talent to manage games competently.
Unfortunately, Angelichio’s comments did not sound overly convincing regarding Rudolph’s standing.
Maybe Pittsburgh truly sees him as nothing more than another developmental arm inside the room. If so, hopefully the organization believes Howard or Allar could rapidly close the gap. And maybe Rodgers’ mentorship accelerates their growth faster than expected.
We have yet to truly see Rudolph reach his ceiling. Under Angelichio’s offensive system and Rodgers’ tutelage, maybe the former third-round pick can finally blossom into the perfect bridge quarterback. As of now, it feels like Rudolph is hanging onto the QB2 role by a very short thread, especially if the younger gunslingers develop quickly throughout training camp.
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