The Pittsburgh Steelers started the organized workforce actions portion of the offseason program on Tuesday with longtime backup Mason Rudolph penciled in as their beginning quarterback.
That stated, it is broadly believed Aaron Rodgers will ultimately signal a contract that may make him Pittsburgh’s QB1 for a minimum of the 2025 season.
On Tuesday, Rudolph spoke with reporters about the truth that he is probably little greater than a placeholder for the membership throughout springtime exercises.
“It is nothing new to me,” Rudolph stated, as shared by Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. “There’s been fixed noise. That’s the nature of the NFL, so I have been used to that for a very long time now. Do nothing however be one of the best I might be and assist our workforce get higher this spring.”
A 2018 third-round draft decide, Rudolph has by no means been Pittsburgh’s first-choice choice to function a long-term reply on the sport’s most vital place. In complete, he made simply 13 begins for the membership from 2018-23 earlier than he spent final season with the Tennessee Titans. By the point he signed an affordable two-year deal to return to Pittsburgh in March, tales had already begun linking Rodgers with the Steelers.
On Tuesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter stated throughout an on-air replace that “all people thinks” Rodgers will be part of the Steelers in time to be within the lineup for Week 1. If Rodgers finally rejects Pittsburgh, it’s believed the membership will attain out to the Atlanta Falcons a few potential commerce for veteran Kirk Cousins.
In brief, it appears to outsiders that having Rudolph atop the depth chart on Labor Day is merely an emergency possibility for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
“Simply management what I can management,” Rudolph added about his distinctive state of affairs. “Throw the ball nicely, lead the blokes, play nicely once I get the possibility.”
Truthful or not, the perception exists that Rodgers is solely avoiding offseason exercises he deems pointless whereas within the twilight of his Corridor of Fame profession. He handled some important physical setbacks final season earlier than he turned 41 years outdated in December 2024, so it is potential that the Steelers will want Rudolph for greater than mop-up duties this coming fall.
“I simply suppose it’s a particular place,” Rudolph added about returning to Pittsburgh this offseason, per Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. “I’ve obtained a whole lot of nice mates and teammates. A whole lot of comfortability with Mike T. and the workers. [General manager Omar Khan] has put collectively an amazing roster. Who wouldn’t wish to be part of this workforce and this offense? It’s been a enjoyable couple of months again.”
It stays to be seen if Rudolph could have enjoyable sharing a locker room with Rodgers throughout coaching camp.
