Steelers Players Legitimately "Feel Bad' For QB Mason Rudolph As Aaron Rodgers Makes Things Official

The Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably been the most intriguing team to watch throughout the 2025 offseason. The franchise had been linked to four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers since the beginning of free agency, and it was a long three month process, but the quarterback finally signed after the conclusion of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He will undoubtedly be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, and he certainly gives Pittsburgh its best chance to have success in the postseason.

Pittsburgh's quarterback room has been interesting in the last couple of years. The room has completely turned over for the second season in a row as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields found new homes. For a moment, the only quarterback on the roster for the Steelers was Skylar Thompson. The Steelers fixed that by reuniting with Mason Rudolph and signing him in free agency. He was expected to be the starting quarterback until Rodgers signed his deal. Team insider Mark Kaboly was asked about Rodgers' presence, and he stated that some guys on the roster might feel bad for Rudolph.

"I think his presence gives them a shot in the arm," Kaboly wrote. "What we are going to see from him during minicamp is a guy who still has tremendous arm talent. And if we can see it, then his teammates will see the same thing. I am sure they feel bad for Rudolph because he’s so well-liked by everybody, but the majority of them understand what is happening. It’s a business."

Rudolph has had a rocky career in Pittsburgh, but he saved the season at the end of 2023 as he won three consecutive games as a starter to send Pittsburgh to the postseason. He would then leave in free agency and join the Tennessee Titans, but that didn't work out as the quarterback threw as many interceptions as touchdowns in limited playing time during the 2024 season.

Kaboly noted that Rudolph is so well-liked in the locker room, and most teammates probably feel bad for him. For about a month, it seemed like there was a slight sliver of a chance that Rudolph would be the starting quarterback, but that opportunity came crashing down when Rodgers officially signed his contract over the weekend. Kaboly spoke about how Rudolph knew this was a possibility, and he was not done wrong by the organization.

"Rudolph knew exactly what he was getting into," Kaboly wrote. "I am unsure he was told of specifics, but he’s a smart man. Now, it looks bad because of how much time lapsed in between Rodgers visiting the Steelers and signing, but one of the main reasons why Rudolph signed back was that he figured he was going to backup either a 36-year-old Russell Wilson or a 41-year-old Rodgers and liked his chances of getting an opportunity based solely on the starter's age."

Rudolph had to know upon signing that no team was signing him to be its sure-fire, starting quarterback. His season in 2024 was not good as he helped the Titans land the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He knew it was more likely that he would end up being a backup again, which is something he was okay with.

Steelers Have Exciting Options At Quarterback

Rodgers is going to be the starting quarterback for the Steelers, and barring injury, he will be the starter for every game of the 2025 season. There is likely no way the future Hall of Famer gets benched, regardless of how poorly he plays. However, behind him are some exciting options at quarterback. There is Rudolph, who has become a fan favorite ever since his late-season heroics in 2023. After him is sixth-round rookie Will Howard, who fans hope to see get on the field at some point. 

What do you think about Kaboly's analysis of the quarterback situation? Let us know in the comments below!

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