The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the headlines a ton over the last couple of years due to the team's connection with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. For whatever reason, it has seemed as though he is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of the league. That has not changed since signing with the Steelers during the 2025 offseason. He then dragged out a decision for the 2026 season before re-signing. He finally joined his team ahead of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and he has already announced that the 2026 season will be his last.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers made it very clear upon re-signing with Pittsburgh that he would not be returning for the 2027 season. He is retiring after this upcoming season, and he confirmed that once again on Sunday with an Instagram post that had a caption relating to this being his "last rodeo". The photos showed a trip into the wilderness with some of the guys on the team. This included wide receivers, tight ends, and Mason Rudolph. Some fans read into that and noted that both Will Howard and Drew Allar were not in attendance.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly poured more fuel on that fire on Monday morning during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan as he suggested that maybe Rudolph would make the roster over Howard after all.
“How much can you read into Mason Rudolph going?” Kaboly asked. “You mean it means nothing?”
The main discussion revolved around Rudolph and Howard, as the theory heading into camp is that those two will be competing for the backup job, and whoever loses could be cut or traded. Kaboly was hinting at the idea that Rodgers inviting Rudolph could be a sign of what is to come.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
Howard has posted on social media himself, and it was made clear that he had prior obligations as he was at some sort of wedding within his family. It is also important to note that there is no confirmation that this was a trip planned by Rodgers. That has been the assumption so far, but this trip could have been planned by anyone else that attended. Kaboly continued to egg on the hosts of the show about the situation.
“If Aaron Rodgers goes up to Mike McCarthy and says we need to keep Mason, what do you think happens?” Kaboly asked.
Kaboly has been a long-time fan of Rudolph, and he is one of his biggest supporters, especially in the local media. He constantly talks about the backup quarterback, and he has been pretty consistent in suggesting that Rudolph will make the team over Howard. He has also been consistent in saying that all four quarterbacks currently on the roster should make the final 53. He isn't rooting for Howard to be cut, but he is pointing out that this could be a factor in some sort of decision.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in East Rutherford, NJ.
Steelers' Vacation Not Something To Read Into
Kaboly was just adding fuel to the fire, but this little getaway is probably not something to read into. Quarterbacks and their pass catchers get together before the season all the time, so this is nothing out of the ordinary. Howard should still have a great chance to be on the roster and to beat out Rudolph. If he can play anywhere near Rudolph or better, he should be the primary backup behind Rodgers throughout the 2026 season.
What do you think about this trip and Kaboly's thoughts? Which quarterback would you want to make the team and be the primary backup? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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