Long Time Steelers QB Delivers Surprising Statement: "You Have To Give The Edge To Mason Rudolph"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably the most interesting quarterback situation in the NFL. The organization brought back a familiar face in free agency by signing Mason Rudolph, while the room also includes veteran Skylar Thompson, as well as rookie Will Howard. None of those three options should be relied upon to start the majority of a 17-game season, which is exactly why Pittsburgh continues to wait on a decision from four-time league MVP, Aaron Rodgers.

Due to Rodgers' resume, it's assumed that he would be the starter as soon as he signs in Pittsburgh, which is expected to happen at some point soon. A timeline has not been clarified, but sometime before mandatory minicamp begins on June 10th sounds appropriate. This would give Rodgers' adequate time to get to know his new teammates, as well as the offensive system that Pittsburgh would be running. 

Former Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch spoke about Rodgers possibly signing with the Steelers and the quarterback situation as a whole during an appearance on The Arthur Moats Experience, and he gave the edge to Rudolph over Rodgers the longer the situation draws out.

"When you add an Aaron Rodgers, I think the longer it goes towards training camp, I think you have to give the edge to Mason Rudolph," Batch said. "That means he knows the system a little better than what Aaron Rodgers would. We understand what his resume looks like, but again, this is not a system that Aaron has spent the majority of his career in. I just think the longer that this goes on, I think you're kind of walking on thin ice as it relates to how soon are you going to put him in there."

Batch spoke about both quarterbacks being introduced to a new offensive system. The difference is that Rudolph has been with the team since signing in March, which gives him a head start when it comes to the playbook and the system as a whole. Batch believes this gives Rudolph a good chance to start over Rodgers, at least at the start of the year.

The idea of Rudolph starting over Rodgers is laughable, but Batch's point does make sense. Rudolph could be more prepared by the time the season comes around, which might give him the edge over Rodgers. However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin isn't going to hand over the starting job. Tomlin didn't even give Justin Fields a chance to claim the starting role over Russell Wilson in training camp ahead of the 2024 season, and there is likely no way he will have Rodgers on his roster and not start him.

It is important to note that Rudolph is not familiar with the offensive system outside of what he has learned since rejoining the Steelers in free agency. The last time he was in Pittsburgh, Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner were the offensive coordinators running a version of Matt Canada's system after he was fired, so Arthur Smith's system is new to him as well.

Steelers' Backup QB Spot Is Critical To The Future Of The Franchise

No matter what happens ahead of the 2025 season, whether Rodgers is on the roster or not, Howard needs to be the backup quarterback. If Rodgers decides to retire and Rudolph starts, Howard should be the first quarterback off the bench. If Rodgers signs, Howard should be on the depth chart ahead of Rudolph. The reasoning for this is that it is incredibly difficult to develop a thing-string quarterback. Third-string quarterbacks see virtually no reps against the starters in practice, which is why Howard needs to be in the backup role.

The organization already knows what it has in Rudolph, so developing Howard should be the priority. He has all the physical tools and a ton of promise, but his skills need some refining.

What do you think about Batch giving the edge to Rudolph over Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!

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