The Pittsburgh Steelers' drama with Aaron Rodgers seems to be set to go on a little bit longer. The veteran has not signed a new deal with the team, and decision-makers have recently been vague when discussing a possible report date for the four-time MVP, if he does indeed plan to play for another season. For now, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph are the only two signal-callers under contract, but that could quickly change before mandatory minicamp begins in the first week of June. Rodgers, and a rookie, could enter the mix.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers hosted four quarterbacks for top-30 visits, and have not tried to hide their potential interest in drafting one. If that ends up happening, the organization could certainly end up having four to work with throughout the offseason. That is how Pittsburgh has normally operated, but only three have historically ended up making the 53-man roster, as having four isn't necessarily ideal.
The lack of a retirement announcement from Rodgers continues to hint at the fact that he will report at some point, but maybe not exactly before Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Until the future Hall of Famer officially puts pen to paper, the Steelers will operate under the assumption that Howard, Rudolph, and maybe a rookie will be the three guys — until the presumed starter actually signs a contract.
On Tuesday, new head coach Mike McCarthy spoke with reporters and had plenty of questions to answer about the state of his team with the 2026 NFL Draft just days away. When asked about the quarterback spot, he openly admitted that he likes to have three in the locker room, and maybe one on the practice squad if at all possible.
"I really enjoy working with Will and Mason so [however] it shakes out, I believe in having three [quarterbacks]," McCarthy said. "I've been [at] two just a few times in my life, but it was Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, so that's a luxury to be in that spot... I believe in having three. Potentially, we'd love to have four if we can make one work on the practice squad. I've always done it that way."
The signal-callers that the Steelers have showed some interest in are presumed to be third- or fourth-round selections. It's unlikely that one of those individuals would be cut, and then return on the practice squad. Another team would likely want to pick up someone like Carson Beck right away. Rodgers would be the starter, and Howard has been talked about endlessly. Essentially, it seems like Rudolph, who wouldn't be a practice squad candidate, would be traded, or cut.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (#2) runs a drill and gets ready to throw a football during a 2022 team training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The subtle comment from McCarthy might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but if the Steelers select a quarterback, it should definitely begin to cause some speculation. Either the positive talk about Howard is all a show and he could find himself getting cut, or Rudolph's clock is going to start right when the hypothetical rookie and Rodgers end up signing deals.
By the process of elimination in this scenario, Rudolph gets sent on his way. McCarthy had a very veteran response after admitting that he likes to have three, saying that he would be okay having a fourth if one ends up on the practice squad. For now, a comment like that wouldn't offend Rudolph. Overall, however, it paints a gloomy picture for his future, specifically if a rookie is drafted and Rodgers comes back.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy looks out toward the media during his opening press conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 which was held at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers' New Coaching Staff Might Be The End Of Rudolph In Pittsburgh
With new regimes always comes big change. Rudolph has been in the Steel City for the majority of his career, but McCarthy working with a young player he likes in Howard, a veteran in Rodgers who he knows, and a rookie that he has been involved in the pre-draft process for pretty much ends any argument that Rudolph could some survive with the Steelers into the regular season — barring an early injury to one of the other three in training camp.
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