Steelers' Mason Rudolph Offers Subtle Jab At Aaron Rodgers As Massive Waiting Game Continues

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is once again a major question mark heading into the 2025 season. Of course, the quarterback uncertainty adds to that longstanding problem. Since the day Ben Roethlisberger retired, the Steelers haven’t been able to figure out this offense. They have cycled through multiple quarterbacks, coordinators, and schemes but the results have remained the same, consistently ranking among the NFL’s worst in yards, points, and consistency. The pressure is mounting and the fan base is growing restless.

All eyes remain on Aaron Rodgers and whether he will ultimately decide to come to Pittsburgh. The front office has reportedly maintained interest and the idea of Rodgers in black and gold has generated plenty of buzz. 

If Rodgers does not come, however, Mason Rudolph is expected to be the presumptive starter once again. While some fans have confidence in Rudolph after his late-season heroics in 2023, many others are deeply concerned about the long-term direction of the offense with him under center.

Rudolph, however, is not worried. In a recent interview the team's official website and Missi Matthews, Rudolph shared his thoughts on returning to the team and his perspective on the offense. He remains focused on the upcoming season and believes the team can improve with the right preparation and adjustments. 

Rudolph’s calm approach stands in contrast to the concerns voiced by many fans and analysts, highlighting the uncertain but hopeful atmosphere around the Steelers offense heading into 2025.

"I just think it's a special place. I've got a lot of great friends and teammates here," Rudolph said. "A lot of comfortability with Mike [Tomlin] and the staff. And Omar [Khan] put together a great roster. Who wouldn't want to be a part of this team and this offense? It's been a fun couple of months being back."

Rudolph’s words are strong and poignant. When he asks who wouldn’t want to be part of this team and offense, one name that likely comes to mind for many Steelers fans is Rodgers. Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with how long Rodgers is taking to decide whether he will accept the Steelers’ offer and play for them in 2025. It has been a long offseason filled with rumors and reports, and Steeler Nation is desperate for clarity as the regular season approaches.

While many Steelers fans worry about the offense after trading away George Pickens, others remain hopeful about what Kaleb Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, DK Metcalf, and several new faces can bring to the team. The Steelers have key positions in flux heading into 2025, and fans are eager to finally know who will lead the offense under center. 

The uncertainty only adds to the anticipation as the team prepares to take the field. Rudolph isn’t backing down. If Rodgers doesn’t come, Rudolph will likely be the starter and have a chance to build on what he accomplished in 2023. 

When things looked bleak for Pittsburgh, Rudolph stepped in as Kenny Pickett got hurt and Mitch Trubisky struggled, leading the team to three straight wins and guiding the Steelers back into playoff contention. That run remains fresh in fans’ minds, fueling hope that if Rudolph gets the reins in 2025, he can exceed expectations and deliver a surprisingly strong season.

Steelers' Rudolph Stayed Hopeful Pittsburgh Would Want Him Back

After the 2023 season ended, Rudolph left in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans. After getting some opportunities with the Titans in 2024, Rudolph chose to rejoin the Steelers for the 2025 season. While he was away, he admitted to Matthews that he always remained hopeful he could return to Pittsburgh.

As Rudolph enters the 2025 season, if Rodgers doesn’t come, he could seriously get the chance to prove his value. Rudolph did a good job the last time he was called upon, and he might be called upon again depending on what Rodgers decides to do.

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