Steelers Insider Fires Back At Ben Roethlisberger Over Brutal Mason Rudolph Take

At the moment, the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to keep all four of their quarterbacks, something rarely done in the NFL. The organization is in a tough situation, as they have their bona fide starter in Aaron Rodgers, who is an obvious lock to make the team, and three other QBs deserving of a backup role. With the construction of their roster, it appears the Steelers are prepared to make a deep playoff run now. That means Mason Rudolph should be an obvious choice as the QB2, but he started training camp off in a battle with Will Howard for the second string spot. After the first two preseason games, Rudolph may have already won his battle. 

Drew Allar has played well through his first two preseason games, even potentially outplaying Howard. He has obvious growing pains as a third-round rookie, but his potential is certainly there. His draft status also likely locks him into a roster spot for 2026. This means, if the Steelers do decide to cut one of the signal-callers, Howard could be the probable choice. 

Ben Roethlisberger offered Steeler Nation his two cents about how he would handle the quarterback dilemma if he were the general manager. He believes the organization should either try to stash Rudolph on the practice squad or keep all four signal-callers. He believes that if Rodgers were to go down with a serious injury and miss significant time, they should play one of the young QBs and see what the future may hold. These comments have sparked debate in the Pittsburgh media, with one insider giving a very harsh rebuttal. 

Christopher Carter of the Post-Gazette recently appeared on a recent episode of Locked On where he let fans know his thoughts on Roethlisberger's comments, preaching that there is no way Rudolph would sign to the practice squad while he's under contract as a solid backup option. Another team would more than likely pick him up to serve as their second option. 

"He has a contract right now to play as an NFL veteran, a solid backup quarterback contract. If you were on the practice squad, you get practice squad money. If I'm a vet and you have me under contract and you tell me you got to go to the practice squad, I'm telling you guess what, I'm going to someone else's practice squad. I'm going to sign a contract 'cause I want guaranteed playing money."

The organization opted to bring Rudolph back after his short stint with the Tennessee Titans, giving him a two-year, $7.5 million deal. When he appeared in 2025 due to Rodgers' wrist injury, he wasn't necessarily bad, but he wasn't very encouraging either. Even with his rocky play, he's proven himself to be a more-than-capable backup option and deserves a spot on the final 53-man roster -- rather than being a practice squad player. 

After everything Rudolph has gone through during his time in the Black and Gold, it's a very slim chance that he would agree to go to the practice squad, ultimately taking less money. 

Steelers May Have To Cut Howard Or Rudolph

The team deciding to keep four quarterbacks takes away from other position groups that need depth. Guys like Robert Spear-Jennings, who's had a nice showing in the preseason, could become expendable, or a defensive lineman like Gabriel Rubio, who's showing the ability to eat up blocks. The offensive line could also take a hit, putting either Ryan McCollum or Broderick Jones on the chopping block. 

The safety room is already dealing with injuries and will need depth, and with the wear and tear the trenches endure, it may be wiser to have depth pieces like Rubio, McCollum, and Jones in uniform. If Mike McCarthy feels Howard is ready to step up and go in when needed, then he should cut Rudolph. If not, then Howard should be either dealt or released. 

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