Steelers' Mike McCarthy Explains 1 Benefit Of The Frustrating Aaron Rodgers Saga

The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in the same spot they were in during the 2025 offseason: waiting for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to officially make his decision and sign a contract. Everyone in Pittsburgh's building refuses to give any actual updates about what's going on in that situation, so the fans continue to be left in the dark. The whole ordeal is so off-putting for Steeler Nation, as it feels like the team is allowing a player that is not even on the team to have total control.

In his latest press conference, Head Coach Mike McCarthy once again dodged the Rodgers question and instead flipped it to why the quarterback being gone at this point is actually a good thing for the Steelers.

"What I've learned from instituting an offseason program: there are benefits of periods when your veterans aren't here," McCarthy said. "We're talking about the quarterback position, so this is a very beneficial time for Will [Howard] and Mason [Rudolph] right now. They split all the reps today and the last two days, and that's just great work... I'm comfortable where we are."

As frustrating as this whole situation is for some fans, McCarthy is right about how this is a great opportunity for the others to get some reps in. There has been nothing but praise oozing out of the facility about former sixth-round pick Will Howard. If and when Rodgers signs, there would likely have to be an injury for Howard to see any first-team reps in an actual game. The fact that he can get them now is great for his development. 

Howard has officially been named QB1 during the offseason until Rodgers makes his decision. He will likely continue to split reps with the first- and second-team offense with Mason Rudolph, but the emphasis is on doing whatever is necessary so that the former NCAA National Champion can grow and eventually be the team's starter if needed. However, the competition will not stop there.

With all the draft capital that the Steelers have, they are expected to draft a quarterback in the middle rounds. Howard, Rudolph, and whoever that prospect is will all be fighting for spots on the depth chart and maybe even the 53-man roster as a whole. As mentioned, the 2025 sixth-round pick will have pole position, so Rudolph may end up being the odd man out in this scenario. 

Steelers' Opportunity For Rudolph Is Much Different

McCarthy did make sure to name both Howard and Rudolph when talking about how beneficial it is for Rodgers to be gone. While the young gun is working to prove that he can be a starter, the veteran is trying to prove that he belongs in the NFL. This is not just an opportunity to showcase his talents for his new coach; he's looking to stay fit and ready to go in case he does get released, so he could find another job quickly. 

Barring an injury or Rodgers shocking everyone and retiring, Rudolph will most likely not survive roster cutdown day. With two developmental pieces projected to back up the 42-year-old, there's just no room on the roster for the former third-round pick. Experience and knowledge of the playbook don't really matter when the team is being forced to prepare for the future.

With his experience and talents with the deep ball, Rudolph should be able to find a backup job somewhere in the NFL. In fact, the Steelers may be able to ship him off for a Day 3 pick in 2027 before the regular season begins. He may not be a Steeler for long, but he should be able to continue his NFL career.

What do you think about McCarthy talking about how Howard and Rudolph are benefitting from Rodgers being gone? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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