Steelers Must Call These 2 Teams About Trading Mason Rudolph Right Now

There’s been a ton of discussion about the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room heading into the 2026 NFL season. Pittsburgh finally knows who their starter is going to be now that Aaron Rodgers has made it clear he will be playing for the Black and Gold. When he signed on for the 2025 season, Rodgers intended to play just one year. Then the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to become their fourth head coach since 1969, and Rodgers suddenly had something to think about. Rodgers is back for 2026, but this will be his final season, as he said himself: 'This is it.'

With that being said, the Steelers still have veteran backup Mason Rudolph along with young options Will Howard and Drew Allar. Many believe Rudolph could be trade bait, while others think he’s too important to move because of Rodgers’ age and durability concerns. Having a trusted veteran backup during an all-in season is a necessity. However, would it make more sense for Pittsburgh to try and get something in return for Rudolph now while also beginning to prepare Howard or Allar for the backup role? That’s the current debate among Steeler Nation.

With teams across the NFL constantly trying to shore up their quarterback rooms and depth charts, the position is always a highly sought-after commodity. In this case, Pittsburgh has a semi-reliable backup option who could pique the interest of multiple teams. Here are the two teams Steelers General Manager Omar Khan absolutely must call now to try and trade Rudolph.

1) Indianapolis Colts

The Steelers already got a solid deal done with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2026 offseason when they pulled off a trade for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Now, Pittsburgh should pick up the phone once again and see if the Colts would have interest in trading for Rudolph. With uncertainty surrounding Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, and Riley Leonard, many would argue Rudolph would immediately become the most reliable backup option behind Jones. 

While Jones is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, his injury history remains a concern. Having Rudolph behind him would give Indianapolis far more stability than relying on Richardson, who has dealt with injuries of his own, or an inexperienced Leonard. During the 2025 season, the Colts clearly could have used someone like Rudolph after eventually having to sign Philip Rivers. This feels like a move that would make plenty of sense for both sides.

2) Miami Dolphins

It’s no secret the Miami Dolphins heavily invested in Malik Willis, but that experiment could quickly go sideways. Quinn Ewers is currently the backup behind him, and that is not a ton of experience for a quarterback room trying to compete. That’s where Rudolph would make a lot of sense. The Steelers and Dolphins have a history of doing business together, and this feels like another situation where a deal could benefit both sides.

Miami’s quarterback room badly needs a veteran presence for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s providing insurance if Willis struggles or helping mentor both Willis and Ewers, Rudolph could play an important role there immediately. That’s exactly why Khan should give the Dolphins a call as well.

Steelers May Keep Mason Rudolph In 2026

While there has been plenty of debate about trading Rudolph, there are just as many reasons for the Steelers to keep him for the 2026 season. 

Rudolph gives Pittsburgh a proven veteran backup behind Rodgers, who will be entering what is expected to be his final NFL season. 

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. 

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