With Aaron Rodgers returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for one final NFL season, fans are already anxious to see who the odd man out will be at quarterback. Rodgers' roster spot is guaranteed, while most assume that Drew Allar will be the team's developmental QB3.
Because of this, a debate has already stirred up between Steelers fans on whether Mason Rudolph or Will Howard should be the QB2. The loser of this battle will likely be left looking for work on a new team, as Pittsburgh—as well as new head coach Mike McCarthy —typically keep just three quarterbacks.
But Rudolph just made a compelling case for the job that makes sense to even the biggest Howard enthusiasts.
Following OTAs on Thursday, the veteran quarterback spoke to the media. Rudolph gave the perfect reason why his veteran leadership and experience are exactly what this team needs behind Rodgers in 2026, per 93.7 The Fan.
"You know, this is a veteran team, and we're trying to win now. We don't bring back Aaron Rodgers if you don't want to win now. Cam Heyward and these guys have been around a long time, and we want to make a playoff push, and I know I can contribute with that veteran culture."
The Pittsburgh Steelers could choose Mason Rudolph over Will Howard
You don't have to agree that Rudolph should be the team's backup quarterback over Howard, but it's hard to argue with his reasoning. The Steelers showed fans just how much they care about winning in the present when they signed a 22-year veteran as their starting QB... and Rodgers will turn 43 this season.
Meanwhile, neither Howard nor 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar has as much as a single preseason snap's worth of experience at this juncture. Will the team really want to put the fate of their season into either of their hands if Rodgers goes down for a few games?
Rudolph isn't perfect. He lacks consistent big-play ability, and he can be a bit of a statue in the pocket. However, he's at least a quality and proven backup quarterback. Given the age of the veterans on the roster and the fact that this will be Rodgers' last hurrah, it might make sense for the team to keep Rudolph over Howard.
Many of us would rather roll with the uncertainty of what we could get from Howard or Allar than the certainty of the average play this team will get if Rudolph has to see the field.
But team owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan brought back Rodgers because they believed he gave the team the best chance of winning in 2026. And if they operate with the same mentality and philosophy, it only makes sense that Rudolph would be their choice at QB2.
We hate to admit it, but Rudolph just made an excellent case for himself.
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