In somewhat of a surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers might be forced to trade Mason Rudolph if Aaron Rodgers decides to return to the team in the 2026 campaign. Earlier this week, the team placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers if he signs with another team. It would guarantee the Steelers a 2027 draft pick, so that locks Rodgers with the team exclusively. However, reports say that the Steelers could abandon Rudolph while having Rodgers, Will Howard and 2026 draft selection Drew Allar.
Rudolph is the obvious “odd man out” in this situation, and new head coach Mike McCarthy would prefer to have three quarterbacks in the fold. As of now, if Aaron Rodgers makes up his mind, he’ll become the undisputed starter of this team. Nobody should anticipate the team moving on from Howard or Allar, who they’ve just selected. Rudolph is still reliable, but he’s past his days of becoming a full-time starter for an offense.
Aaron Rodgers Potential Return Could Force Massive Mason Rudolph Trade
Either way, the selection of Allar meant that the Steelers might have been open to trading Rudolph during the NFL Draft. The Steelers still have time to make that happen. Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma State product came into the league for a backup spot behind Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger. After winning the backup job over Joshua Dobbs, Rudolph got his first start in 2021.
The QB had promising strides until Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky came into the fold during the 2022 campaign. Rudolph left for the Titans in 2024, replacing Will Levis for a few games. Now, Rudolph re-signed a two-year deal to return to Pittsburgh and is now in the last year of his contract, which likely leads to a trade to one of these three teams.
Possible Fits
Arizona Cardinals
Let’s state the obvious: the Arizona Cardinals probably won’t bring back veteran QB Jacoby Brissett after his latest demand. Brissett wants a new contract, but at his age and with the team not able to get into the winning column, the Cardinals are better off prioritizing Carson Beck. Gardner Minshew would take over as the bridge starter, but the team could also bring in Mason Rudolph if they still want some competition. Rudolph might not start over Minshew depending on the scenario, but it would buy Beck some time to develop while the two battle it out for the starting spot.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Panthers have moved on from Andy Dalton, trading him to the Eagles this offseason. The team signed Will Grier, but he’s more of a third-stringer than he is a backup. Rudolph is the clearly better quarterback in this situation, and could get a chance to start if Bryce Young lacks again. Head Coach Dave Canales has benched Young before, so this would comfortably let the Panthers lean on Rudolph if they want to trade for a QB.
Atlanta Falcons
After signing Tua Tagovailoa this offseason, the Falcons now have competition at the quarterback position. Michael Penix Jr.’s starting spot is in danger, but it’s hard to imagine these two are the future of this offense. If everything else fails, Rudolph could save this offense led by new head coach Kevin Stefanski for at least a season.
