The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation has been thrown into total chaos as they continue waiting on Aaron Rodgers’ decision for the 2026 season. While all signs point to the veteran returning for one more year after leading the team to an AFC North title and a playoff berth in 2025, nothing is official yet. That uncertainty, combined with the team’s clear plan to bolster the position in the upcoming NFL Draft, has suddenly put veteran Mason Rudolph squarely in the trade rumors — and his time in Pittsburgh may be coming to a swift end.
Steelers Linked Trading Veteran QB Ahead of Rodgers Decision
Steelers analyst Andrew Vasquez of SteelersWire recently highlighted Rudolph as a prime trade candidate. If Rodgers returns and the Steelers draft another quarterback, the depth chart would lock in Rodgers and last year’s rookie Will Howard as the top two options. That would leave Rudolph as the odd man out.
“If the Steelers ultimately decide to select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, don’t be surprised if Rudolph winds up as draft capital,” Vasquez noted. “With Will Howard and potentially Aaron Rodgers as guaranteed roster locks, Rudolph would be the odd man out if a rookie signal-caller enters the mix.”
Rudolph, a former third-round pick by the Steelers in 2018, has had a winding career. He spent six seasons with Pittsburgh, had a one-year detour with the Tennessee Titans, and then returned on a two-year deal. Last season, he appeared in relief and threw for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He’s viewed as a reliable veteran backup who could bring solid value to another team — potentially fetching a Day 3 draft pick in return.
Steelers Expected to Add Another Quarterback Anyway
Even if Rodgers comes back, multiple analysts believe Pittsburgh will still use one of its many 2026 draft picks — possibly on Day 2 or Day 3 — to add a young quarterback. NFL analyst Saad Youssef of The Athletic pointed out that the team could essentially keep a similar room to last year if Rodgers returns, with Howard as the primary backup. But regardless of Rodgers’ choice, adding depth at the position makes sense.
“If Rodgers doesn’t return, Mason Rudolph could be elevated to the starting spot, making Will Howard the new backup. Regardless of Rodgers’ decision, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers add a quarterback in the draft,” Youssef wrote.
The Steelers have been connected to several college standouts, including Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and Carson Beck. With a dozen picks in the draft (including multiple in the third round), they have the ammunition to address the position without reaching in the first round.
Aaron Rodgers’ Decision Timeline Is Finally Here
The biggest domino in all of this is still Aaron Rodgers. After his one-year deal last offseason — which he hinted could be his last — the 42-year-old played well enough to keep the door open for 2026. The hiring of his former head coach Mike McCarthy has only added to the speculation that he’ll return.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II recently provided the clearest timeline yet, telling ESPN’s Brooke Pryor that a decision is coming soon — and he expects an answer by the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I have not talked to (Rodgers). Coach (Mike McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly,” Rooney said. “I think a decision is coming soon. I would say by the draft I would expect an answer.”
If Rodgers does return, the quarterback room suddenly becomes very crowded: Rodgers, Howard, a potential rookie, and Rudolph. In that scenario, trading the veteran Rudolph becomes not just logical — but almost inevitable.
Nobody saw this veteran trade coming this quickly, but Aaron Rodgers’ looming decision has completely reshaped the Steelers’ plans and left Mason Rudolph’s future in Pittsburgh hanging by a thread. His solid experience makes him a useful piece elsewhere, and the Steelers appear ready to cash in while they can.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is about to look very different — and for Rudolph, his time wearing the black and gold may officially be over.
