Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Gives Controversial Reason Why Mason Rudolph Has No Place In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an uncomfortable decision at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers remains the unquestioned starter, but the competition behind him has become more complicated after Will Howard and Drew Allar produced encouraging moments throughout the preseason. Pittsburgh must decide whether keeping veteran stability is more valuable than protecting two developmental passers.

Mason Rudolph gives the Steelers an experienced backup who understands how to prepare and operate an NFL offense. However, carrying four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster would consume a spot that could strengthen another position. Former Pittsburgh star Ben Roethlisberger believes Howard and Allar have done enough to force the organization toward a bold solution.

While evaluating Pittsburgh's quarterback room on Footbahlin, Roethlisberger delivered a straightforward assessment of the two younger options.

"The two young bucks have both played well enough," Roethlisberger said.

Howard and Allar received all of Pittsburgh's quarterback snaps during the Steelers' 28-27 preseason finale loss to the Buffalo Bills. Neither prospect delivered a flawless performance, but both continued showing traits worth developing. Howard supplied mobility and aggressive passing while Allar displayed composure and avoided a turnover during his second-half work.

Their progress has placed Rudolph in an unusual position. He remains the safest option if Rodgers misses a short stretch because his experience should allow Pittsburgh to maintain a functional offense without dramatically simplifying everything. That reliability is precisely why removing him from the active roster would carry considerable risk.

Roethlisberger previously suggested placing Rudolph on the practice squad while keeping Howard and Allar behind Rodgers. That plan would require Pittsburgh to release Rudolph and convince him to return instead of signing elsewhere. It would also leave a young quarterback one snap away from replacing a future Hall of Famer.

Roethlisberger's co-host Spencer Te'o challenged the proposal for that reason. If Pittsburgh removes Rudolph from its active roster, it sacrifices the dependable veteran most equipped to step in without notice. Roethlisberger answered with a blunt assessment of how heavily the Steelers' championship hopes depend upon Rodgers remaining available.

"But if you lose Aaron, it doesn't matter," Roethlisberger said. "The offense is based around him."

That response cuts directly to the real argument. Rudolph might keep Pittsburgh competitive if Rodgers misses one game, and that possibility should not be dismissed. However, asking him to replace Rodgers for an extended period would change the offense's ceiling and potentially the direction of the entire season.

Pittsburgh built its current plan around Rodgers' experience, command and ability to process defenses before the snap. Mike McCarthy did not spend the offseason preparing four interchangeable quarterbacks to execute an identical job. Losing Rodgers would require significant adjustments regardless of which backup entered the huddle.

If that worst-case scenario unfolds, Pittsburgh must determine what it values most. Rudolph offers the strongest chance to preserve stability. Howard or Allar could create more growing pains, but meaningful snaps would provide answers about whether either player can eventually become the franchise's long-term starter.

Steelers Must Choose Between Safety And Valuable Answers

Roethlisberger's position is aggressive, but it reflects a belief shared by many across Steeler Nation. If Rodgers suffers a season-ending injury, simply keeping the team afloat may not accomplish enough. Pittsburgh could learn considerably more by allowing Howard and Allar to compete for an opportunity that shapes the franchise's future.

That does not make Rudolph expendable or incapable. He has repeatedly handled difficult circumstances professionally and gives the Steelers legitimate veteran insurance. The question is whether that insurance justifies exposing one of the younger quarterbacks or sacrificing a roster spot elsewhere.

Pittsburgh also cannot assume Rudolph would accept a practice-squad role. Another quarterback-needy organization could present a better opportunity, and the veteran would have every right to pursue it. Roethlisberger's proposal therefore creates a genuine gamble instead of an easy procedural maneuver.

The safest decision is keeping Rudolph as Rodgers' backup and finding room for both young quarterbacks. The more ambitious choice is prioritizing Howard and Allar while accepting that the season could unravel if Rodgers goes down. Roethlisberger made his preference unmistakable: Pittsburgh should protect its future instead of pretending any backup could fully preserve a team constructed around its starter.

Should Pittsburgh keep all four quarterbacks, or trust Howard and Allar behind Rodgers? Share your Steelers thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Black and Gold coverage and discussion. 

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