Tag Archives: Steelers quarterbacks

4 Solutions to the Steelers Quarterback Depth Chart “Math” Problem

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If there’s one thing you can say about the internet, it’s that it is predictable. Aaron Rodgers signing ended the daily “Will HE? Or Won’t HE?” “updates” that bombarded us.

But now that Aaron Rodgers is in the fold, fretters still have to fret, so on comes the next “crisis,” namely the Steelers quarterback depth chart math problem.

Aaron Rodgers’ return gives the Steelers four quarterbacks, with veteran backup Mason Rudolph, second year man Will Howard, and 2026 3rd round draft pick Drew Allar.

How in the world will the Steelers manage 4 quarterbacks?

What kind of monster have Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy created for themselves…?

  • OR something like that. And it’s all nonsense.

The Steelers have dealt with this situation before, as recently as 2018, when they had Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Joshua Dobbs and Mason Rudolph.

The answer to resolving this four quarterback quandary is the same now as it was then: Let reality unfold at its own pace.

With that understood, there are 4 possible outcomes, none of which should force anyone to fret.

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar at Steelers OTAs in the spring of 2026

Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar at Steelers OTAs. Photo Credit: Alysa Rubin, Steelers.com

1. Attrition May Make Decisions for Mike McCarthy

Let’s be clear. No NFL coach or General Manager ever wants injuries to make decisions for him. But it happens all the time.

  • Omar Khan alluded to this in his post-draft press conference.

Even though quarterbacks don’t get hit in training camp, the Steelers have seen plenty of quarterbacks injured during the summer.

  • Summer injuries cost Charlie Batch both the 2004 and 2008 seasons.

The Steelers were planning to start Byron Leftwich during Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension in 2010, but Leftwich got hurt. Dennis Dixon started the season and got hurt, and up stepped Charlie Batch – So it was a good thing the Steelers had 4 quarterbacks at their disposal, wasn’t it?

A year later, the Steelers brought the same quartet to St. Vincents, only to have Dennis Dixon get injured and lost for the season – again, math problem solved.

Bruce Gradkowski got hurt in camp in 2015, leading Michael Vick’s stint with the Steelers. Depth is a luxury in the NFL, not a liability. Quarterback is no exception.

2. Let the Preseason Play Speak for Itself

Football isn’t like amateur wrestling, you can’t just wrestle off two quarterbacks to see who is better. But quarterback competitions can tell you a lot.

  • And right now, I’d guess that Mike McCarthy really wishes he was playing 4 preseason games.

[Cue the Dana Carvey-like Grumpy Old Man rant about how NFL errs by devaluing preseason.]

The upside to only having 3 preseason games is that Aaron Rodgers probably won’t play in any of  them, so it frees up reps for everyone else. That should be enough for Rudolph to get his feet wet with the McCarthy’s offense while giving the coaches a good look at Howard and Allar in varied situations.

Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph, Joshua Dobbs, Steelers 4 quarterbacks

Can the Steelers keep 4 quarterbacks in 2018? Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Mike Tomlin let his 3 quarterbacks duke it out in summer of 2018 and at the end he decided to cut Landry Jones. Given that Jones was the only backup quarterback with NFL experience, the move raised eyebrows.

But Jones never threw another NFL pass, while Dobbs and Mason Rudolph have made a 34 NFL starts between them.

3. Steelers Have Kept 4 Quarterbacks Before. Why Not Again?

Keeping 4 quarterbacks is unorthodox. But it has been done before. The New England Patriots began the 1989 season with 4 quarterbacks on their active roster, and all four made starts.

The Steelers of course kept 4 quarterbacks in 1995, when they had Neil O’Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller and Kordell Stewart. Less well-remembered is 1999, when they did it again keeping Stewart, Tomczak, Pete Gonzalez, and Anthony Wright,. the Steelers “forgotten 4th quarterback.”

Anthony Wright, Steelers

Anthony Wright the Steelers forgotten 4th String Quarterback. Photo Credit: Peter Diana, Post-Gazette

The roster math behind 4 quarterbacks is certainly complicated here in 2026, but Mike McCarthy will have an easier time today than Bill Cowher and Tom Donahoe did in 1995.

For starters, Bill Cowher kept Rod Woodson on the active roster throughout the Steelers 1995 season. And, unlike today, injured reserve ended a player’s season.

So Bill Cowher kept 4 quarterbacks AND an injured player on the active roster all season long and still made it to Super Bowl XXX. So keeping 4 quarterbacks can be done. And if not…

Speaking of injured reserve….

4. Follow the Washington Redshirts’ Example

In the pre-salary cap of the 1980’s Washington was notorious for stashing players on injured reserve. Joe Gibbs and Bobby Bethard had it down to a science.

One ESPN commentator went so far as to refer to them as the “Washington Redshirts.”

They did this with players at every position, but they excelled at doing it with quarterbacks. Both Mark Rypien and Stan Humphries had “Redshirt seasons” on Washington’s IR before going on to start Super Bowls.

So if both Howard and Allar show promise in the summer well then, one of them could end up pulling a groin in late August, couldn’t he….?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will arrive at St. Vincents with a quarterback math problem. But it is a good problem to have and one with several solutions. Let’s just let reality unfold at its own pace.

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Steelers Draft Drew Allar, Quarterback from Penn State in 3rd Round of 2026 NFL Draft

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The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the first of their 3 third round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

In doing so, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy continued to stick close to the Steelers 2026 Draft Needs Matrix. Wide receiver was the top need, quarterback their second with offensive tackle coming in third.

Drew Allar quarterbacking for Penn State against North Western in his final collegiate game.

Steelers Drew Allar, the Steelers 2026 3rd round pick. Photo Credit: Barry Reeger, AP, via the Post-Gazette.

With their first pick the Steelers drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, in the second round they traded up to take wide receiver Germie Bernard and now in the third round they’ve added a quarterback.

  • Just one year ago draft analysist touted Drew Allar as a potential first round prospect.

However, he injured his ankle while scrambling during the 4th quarter of Penn State’s October 11th 22-22 loss to Northwestern. The injury ended his season and cost Allar a chance to make up inconsistent performance which had already caused scouts to question his worthiness of first round status.

Roy Countryman of Big Country Scouting ranked Allar as one of his 4th round value picks, describing him as perhaps “the most enigmatic prospect in this year’s draft class.” Countryman praises Allar’s athletic traits and explains this enigmatic diagnosis this way:

…Is adept between the ears as he can process coverage schemes and reads at a quality rate and is a sturdy presence in the pocket who will stand tall and deliver passes to his receivers….

…What frustrates too often is that you see the flashes of Allar’s high points, but he makes some highly questionable decisions and his accuracy can wane under duress or when he’s out of rhythm. His footwork is a trainwreck, which causes some of his touch issues.

Steelers quarterback’s coach Tom Arth conceded that Allar’s footwork needs attention, while praising the Penn State signal caller as someone with the size and strength for “…playing the physical brand of football that it is in the AFC North.”

Steel City Insider’s Matt C. Steel share with Steel Curtain Rising the he also had Allar pegged as a 4th rounder explaining that he’s “Worth trying to develop his measurables by round four if the rest of these players are off the board.”

Watch Drew Allar Highlights: Steelers 2026 3rd Round Pick

Drew Allar was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions and went 26-9 career in his 35 starts.

Here’s a look at his highlight reel, where you can see Allar’s impressive arm-strength, mobility and pocket presence on display.

Drew Allar’s flashes are easy to see. The question is whether the Mike McCarthy, Brian Angelichio Tom Arth can transform those flashes into consistent NFL quarterback play.

Does Drew Allar Reshape the Steelers’ 2026 Quarterback Room…?

By drafting Drew Allar, the Steelers have added a third quarterback to their roster in addition to Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The proverbial “Elephant in the room” is of course Aaron Rodgers‘ absence.

Throughout the off season, the Steelers brass, from Art Rooney II to Omar Khan to Mike McCarthy have expressed optimism on the record that Rodgers will sign with the team. They’ve backed this up with obvious off the record assurances to reporters.

And Tom Arth doubled down on this narrative confirming, “I don’t believe that has any impact on Aaron.”

If Arth is right, that gives the Steelers a numbers problem. Before the draft the idea of having Rodgers backed up by a veteran (Rudolph) and a developmental prospect (Howard) was straightforward.

Now the Steelers have two developmental prospects. Mike McCarthy has already said he can manage the development of two young players simultaneously.

  • But keeping 4 quarterbacks present Pittsburgh with a math problem.

Yes, the Steelers have kept 4 quarterbacks twice before. In’95, they kept Neil O’Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller and Kordell Stewart. The plan worked well, as all four quarterbacks threw passes that season, and the “Slash” phenomenon helped fuel the 1995 Steelers run to Super Bowl XXX.

Kordell Stewart, Mike Tomczak, 1999 Steelers

Kordell Stewart and Mike Tomlin in the late 1990s.

Moreover, Tomczak, Miller and Stewart all did stints as the Steelers starting QB following O’Donnell’s departure in free agency.

They also kept four quarterbacks at the end of the decade when they carried with Stewart, Tomcazk, Pete Gonzalez and Anthony Wright on their roster for the duration of the 1999 season. But after the ’99 neither Tomcazk, nor Gonzalez nor Wright ever wore a Steelers uniform again.

The Steelers kept 4 quarterbacks in 1995 because of their collective strength, whereas in 1999 it revealed the group’s weakness.

The challenge, for Drew Allar as well as Will Howard isn’t just to force Mike McCarthy into a difficult math problem, but to do so from a position of strength.

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Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Needs at Quarterback

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For a second straight season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the NFL draft with their starting quarterback undefined. Yet, unlike 2024 and 2025, the Steelers are not turning over their entire quarterback room.

That sounds, but does it represent progress? And if so, how might it impact the Steelers plans at quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft? Let’s dive in.

This is the first article in our Steelers 2026 Draft series.

Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Aaron Rodgers catch at Acrisure during pregame warm ups.

Will Steelers “run” it back with the trio of Rodgers, Rudolph and Howard? Photo Credit: Steelers.com

Steelers QB Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Starter

The NFL draft is 15 days away, and the Steelers don’t have a starting quarterback. Everyone from Art Rooney II, to Omar Khan and to Mike McCarthy both wants and expects Aaron Rodgers to be that man.

But Rodgers remains unsigned. Ergo he’s not the starter.

The Steelers QB Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Back Ups

There’s one name that you never hear bandied about when the Steelers discuss their quarterback situation. Yet, if Rodgers doesn’t sign, the odds favor him starting on opening day.

Rudolph was Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert’s “compromise” pick in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Rudolph was starting by the middle of week 2 in 2019. Then, save for a single start in 2021, Rudolph was all but forgotten about before coming off the bench in late 2023 to win three straight starts, save Christmas and secure a playoff berth.

Then the Steelers let him walk in free agency. Rudolph spent a year in Tennessee, before returning in 2025.

Mason Rudolph, Steelers vs Bengals

Mason Rudolph stands tall in the pocket. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Last year Mason Rudolph saw action in two games: First in relief of Rodgers against the Bengals at Acrisure and then in a start against the Bears at Soldier Field.

  • Rudolph resembled a “starter-capable” quarterback coming off the bench in Pittsburgh.
  • Unfortunately, his start in Chicago reminded us why the NFL only sees him as a backup.

Behind Mason Rudolph stands Will Howard, whom the Steelers drafted in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Has Steelers Nation ever seen a more ballyhooed, untested, 6th round quarterback?

Perhaps Jim Miller could give Howard a run for his money if you control for the lack of social media.  But even then, Tom Donahoe and Bill Cowher never dropped Miller’s name the way Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy are dropping Howard’s.

In many ways, Will Howard serves as a Rorschach Test for how you see the Steelers quarterback situation:  Either he’s the next Tom Brady just waiting for his chance to prove himself, or he exemplifies just how badly the Steelers are managing the post-Roethlisberger transition.

That’s the only way to describe him, because although Howard looked good early in training camp last summer, he got hurt and spent most of his time at St. Vincents holding a clipboard, went on IR and remained there until November 12th.

  • Mike McCarthy has said that Howard should have gone before the 6th round.
  • Many draft experts agree.

Clearly McCarthy is ready to give Will Howard a chance to prove himself, but it is just as obvious that either Will Howard will have to do a lot of things right or a lot of other things will have to go wrong for him to end up starting games for the Steelers in 2026.

Steelers 2026 Draft Needs at Quarterback

“I’m not sure why you waste a year of your life not trying to contend,” declared Art Rooney II the day after Mike Tomlin resigned.

Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Needs ScaleAgree or disagree, that is the franchise philosophy.

That being the case, signing Aaron Rodgers gives the Pittsburgh Steelers the best chance to compete, for the least risk and at the lowest possible cost in 2026.

Yet, if that’s true – and it is – then another inconvenient truth remains:

  • The Steelers still lack a long-term solution at quarterback.

Most talent evaluators believe that, the long-term answer at quarterback isn’t there to be found in this draft. But that doesn’t alter the reality that heading into the 2026 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers needs at quarterback are High.

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The Pros and Cons of the Steelers Re-signing Aaron Rodgers in 2026

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Aaron Rodgers has yet to decide if he wants to play in 2026, but if are Mike McCarthy, Omar Khan and Art Rooney II right to welcome him back?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have no long-term answer at quarterback and haven’t since Ben Roethlisberger threw out his arm in 2019.

  • That’s not for lack of trying.

They’ve attempted quarterback-reclamation projects, signing not one but three former first-round picks. Two flamed out and Dwayne Haskins, God rest his soul, passed way. They’ve tried investing a first-round pick and, if nothing else, proved Pittsburgh can embrace the “fail fast principle” when warranted.

They’ve also tried what Jim Wexell termed as the Bobby Layne approach, signing an aging franchise QB. Twice. Results have been a bit better, but neither veteran has improved the Steelers post-season prospects.

With that backstory in mind, we look at the Pros and Cons of resigning Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers vs Dolphins, Steelers vs Dolphins MNF

Aaron Rodgers flicks it as Minkah Fitzpatrick can only watch. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Capsule Profile of Aaron Rodgers’ Career with the Steelers

IF Pittsburgh Magazine did a “Person of the Year” award for the city of Pittsburgh then Aaron Rodgers would have won hands down. He dominated Steelers storylines for months – even before he made his covert stop at the South Side in April.

When he signed in June, the narrative on the off season shifted from “the franchise is in intentional tank” mode to “We’re All In!”

Neither proved to be true, but Rodgers did mesh well with the team, and proceeded to start 16 of 17 games for the Steelers in the regular season. His record was 10-6, he threw498 passes for 327 completions on 498 attempts, for 3322 yards with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

He was 0-1 in the playoffs, where he barely completed 50% of his passes and had 2 defensive scores.

The Case for the Steelers Resigning Aaron Rodgers in 2026

The case for the Steelers resigning Aaron Rodgers in 2026 proceeds from the speicifc to the general.

Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen (you forgot about him, didn’t you?), Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers have all thrown passes for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Everyone but Allen has started multiple games for the franchise.

Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Steelers 2022 quarterback competition

Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Photo Credit: Brandon Sloter / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images and The Athletic.)

Aaron Rodgers gave the Steelers their best quarterbacking they’ve enjoyed since Roethlisberger retired. And its not even close.

Yes, you can quibble as Joe Starkey did that Russell Wilson had a better passer rating by a hair. Yeah, and Walter Abercrombie had a better career rushing average then Jerome Bettis….

Seriously, the reason why the Steelers closed the season strong in 2025 while sputtering in 2024 was because Aaron Rodgers elevated his play and the team in ways that Wilson tried and failed to do.

Beyond that, there is also the inconvenient truth that, the Steelers long term answer at quarterback probably isn’t out there to be found in the 2026 off season. Even if he is out there in the draft or already on the roster in the form of Will Howard, Rodgers would serve as a mentor.

Then, there’s the question of cost. Assuming Rodgers is open to playing at the salary level he played at in 2025, the Steelers will never get that level of play at quarterback for that salary cap from another NFL veteran.

  • Finally, there’s the question of Aaron Rodgers and his relationship with Mike McCarthy.

The last time the Steelers had a new head coach, Twitter did not even exist and Facebook’s biggest competitor was probably “MySpace.” Mike Tomlin’s thumbprint is deeply engrained on the fabric of the franchise.

Mike McCarthy is going to do things differently. And even if those changes will be for the better, they’re bound to create tension. Having Aaron Rodgers in the locker room can ensure that that tension is directed constructively.

The Case Against the Steelers Resigning Aaron Rodgers in 2026

Going from general to specific, the case against the Steelers resigning Aaron Rodgers in 2026 starts with the fact that the team continues to kick the quarterback can down the road.

The Steelers have had at least three chances for a “clean” reset since Ben Roethlisberger’s injury in 2019, and each time they’ve focused on the here and now. How many more band aids can the franchise apply?

Aaron Rodgers safety, Khalil Mack, Aaron Rodgers, Steelers vs Chargers, Steelers vs Chargers SNF,

Khalil Mack sacks Aaron Rogers for a safety. Photo Credit: IMAGN Images, via Tribune-Review

And while Aaron Rodgers may have been a “good” quarterback and played “well” at times in 2025 there’s a harsh reality hiding behind some of those numbers: Rodgers struggled against defenses with elite pass rushes. Worse than struggling, he looked skittish, kinda like a 42 year old man who was rapidly tiring of getting hit by 250 to 300 pound 20 somethings.

Sure, the offensive line can mature and build on the improvements it showed during the course of 2025. But overall that’s not a tendency that will improve.

The Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers in 2026

The ball is in Aaron Rodgers’ court. Art Rooney, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy all say that Aaron Rodgers wants back.

  • When he was in New York, Rodgers said he’d be open to playing for McCarthy again.

By all accounts Rodgers liked the team and the city. Assuming Rodgers is willing to play for the same type of salary he played at in 2026 there’s every reason why the Steelers should and will welcome him back.

Regardless, Rodgers has to make a choice and he must do it before free agency. Neal Coolong has suggested that Rodgers may wait to see if Minnesota is interested – that’s his prerogative, but the Steelers cannot wait.

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4 (Not So) Random Reflections on Aaron Rodgers’ & The R Word

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In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, last week Aaron Rodgers went on the Pat McAfee show and told everyone what they already knew – that the 2025 season with the Steelers will likely be his last.

  • And of course that’s all anyone in Steelers Nation was talking about.

Here are four (not so) random reflections on Aaron Rodgers and the R word

Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers 1st practice with the Steelers. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

1. And This is Supposed to News?

So how is it that a 20 year NFL veteran and 41 year old quarterback saying that the coming season will likely be his last qualifies as “news.”

HAD Rodger had said he wanted to play “a couple-of-three or so more seasons,” THAT would have been news. Instead, he told us what we knew, and we ended up talking about it for week.

  • There’s no secret as to why.

The NFL’s media ecosystem has a voracious need for page visits, clicks and podcast/video views that demands to be fed. Hence, a 41 year old quarterback saying he’ll probably retire after 17 weeks of getting hit by 300 pound plus 20 something is now “news.”

2. The Story Line Is Set

Credit former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex for saying the quiet part out loud:

One way or another, the story line is set.

If Rodgers struggles out of the gate, it will be, “…its pretty obvious that Rodgers should have listened to his inner voice and gotten on with his ‘Life’s Work.’”

If Rodgers starts OK then hits a midseason slump the “…after starting strong in September, Rodgers struggles began as twilight became scarce, as the changing colors of the leaves signaled that they, like Rodgers would soon be moving on to something else.”

Or, if Rodgers, like Russell Wilson before him, should play well until fading down the stretch they’ll say, “….as Myles Garrett threw him down for a third and final time on the turf at Cleveland, the look on Rodgers’ face said it all, ‘he’d clearly wishes was spending the holidays in Malibu instead of Cleveland.’”

And this will happen independent of what comes out of Rodgers’ mouth. Rest assured, the slightest stray comment that even hits at a smidge of frustration on Rodger’s part will be magnified 10 times over to fit the “Rodgers wishes he’d retired instead of playing” narrative.

You’d better believe that commentators such as Mike Jones, Andrew Fillipponi and Tim Benz have this quote bookmarked, and will trot as soon as an opportunity presents itself.

So be it.

3. Consider the Alternative

Imagine, for a moment, if had Rodgers stated his plan was to play for several more seasons.

  • The reaction would have been just as swift and probably far more harsh.

You can easily imagine the leads along the lines of, “…after three years of wandering in the wilderness following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the franchise continues to refuse to pull off the band aid and embrace renewal.”

Ben Roethlisberger, Art Rooney II, Roethlisberger final game Heinz Field, Steelers vs Browns

Art Rooney II and Ben Roethlisberger embrace. Photo Credit: Steelers.com, Karl Roser

And that’s only how the immediate narrative would have gone before Rodgers has taken his first snap. You can imagine how it would have evolved once the Steelers begin hitting stumbling blocks.

4. A Potential Upside to It All

At the end of the day, this was a question Aaron Rodgers was going to get, and it says here he gave the right answer. Yes, it is certainly possible that, if things get tough, if say, Troy Fautanu fails to stay healthy and/or Broderick Jones doesn’t develop and Rodgers takes a pounding he’ll regret his decision.

  • But if we know anything about Aaron Rodgers, its that he’s a competitor.

So when he says this is probably his final year, he’s most likely signaling that he’s planning on leaving it all out on the field.

And that is something Steelers Nation should welcome.

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All the Right Words: Aaron Rodgers Says the Right Things @ Steelers Mini Camp

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Aaron Rodgers made his debut in a Steelers uniform at mandatory minicamp. There’s one thing that’s already evident about the 4-time league MVP: He knows how to say the right things.

Shortly after Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers, yours truly wondered out loud if the 41 year old veteran “still loved football.” Retired Steelers scout Mark Gorsack had first posed the question on a podcast before the 2025 NFL Draft, but given that Rodgers signing seemed to be timed to miss OTAs, it was still worth asking.

Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers 1st practice with the Steelers. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

While no reporter asked Rodgers that directly, one did get pretty close inquiring, “Internally, though, is there a drive for you, motivation in terms of pursuing that?” Rodgers answer could have been clearer:

I have a lot that motivates me, but this is about the love of the game. The game has given me so much over the years. And making peace with a nice long career.

Even the most hardened Rodgers skeptic couldn’t have asked for a better answer. Of course “its very easy to say the words” as Art Rooney II once remarked about Ben Roethlisberger (albeit in a entirely different context.)

But here Rodgers is already matching words with deeds — when the highest paid player in NFL history signs a 13 million-and-change contract he’s clearly not doing it for the money.

But Rodgers right answers didn’t stop there. When pressed further about why he’s still playing, response was revealing:

I think that’s what it is. I don’t need it. For my ego, I don’t need it, to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, they’re always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.

Wow. An ancient Greek would interpret this as Rodgers saying he isn’t doing this just to fulfill the appetitive side of his soul, but also the spirited side. So yes, Aaron Rodgers still has passion for the game.

And there’s another element to consider: This is quite a statement from a player known for his me-first attitudes. The real test of course will come when Pat McAfee asks Rodgers if Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson or Pat Freiermuth ran the wrong route at a critical moment in a close loss.

But taken at face value, this is quite encouraging.

Aaron Rodgers didn’t practice with the team on the first day of mini camp. Instead the coaches had him listening to play calls through a helmet while reviewing play scripts. He did work in individual drills and connected with D.K. Metcalf several times.

The practice makes perfect curmudgeon in me still wants to say that he should practiced at minicamp just as he should have have been at OTAs, but Mike Tomlin seemed to be speaking to that when he argued that a guy like Will Howard benefited more from those snaps than Rodgers would have.

And Mike Tomlin would know better than me.

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Steelers Sign Aaron Rodgers – Bobby Layne 3.0 Arrives in Pittsburgh

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Well… It has happened. Aaron Rodgers has signed a one-year, team-friendly contract to be the Steelers quarterback for the 2025 season. Rodgers per reports will attend Steelers minicamp after missing OTAs.

Aaron Rodgers, Casey Hampton, Steelers vs Packers, Steelers Packer Super Bowl,

Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown in the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Photo Credit: Al Bello, Getty Images via Bleacher Report

For the record, like most of Steelers Nation, I did not want to see Aaron Rodgers in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.

But now that it has happened, it is time to be practical. So let’s define several truths about the Steelers situation:

  1. A long-term quarterback solution was unavailable this spring.
  2. Aaron Rodgers has lost a lot since his time as a Super Bowl and league MVP.
  3. Yet, he still has something left in the tank.
  4. Rodgers offered Pittsburgh its best shot for an upgrade at quarterback.

Number 4 might provoke eye rolls.

To be sure, Chris Ward of Steelers NOW took a detailed look at Rodgers’ games in 2024 and found cause for concern.

Alex Highsmith, Aaron Rodgers

Alex Highsmith pressures Aaron Rodgers. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Rodgers struggles against the blitz largely because age has robbed him of the mobility needed to improvise. Some of his decision making under pressure suggests that perhaps he isn’t able to process at the speed he once could. Finally, Ward found that Rodgers’ famed accuracy is slipping.

However, Ward also maintains that Rodgers’ arm remains strong, terming it as his “superpower.” His timing, ability run RPOs remains sharp, allowing him to function as “a general at the line of scrimmage that is confident in his ability to get his unit in the best play possible.”

Risk of Riding with Rodgers is Real

Even if Rodgers is the best available option the Steelers had to achieve a year-to-year improvement at quarterback, signing him carries both objective and subjective risks.

After 18 years in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin’s fascination with giving fabled athletes a final dance well- documented.

Joey Galloway signed but never saw the field. Ditto William Jackson. Plaxico Burress finished his career in a Steelers uniform by scoring touchdown at Heinz Field. That was great for him but his second stint in Pittsburgh did little to help the team. Michael Vick had one great quarter of football left in him that set up a Monday Night Football win that was a difference-maker when playoff time came.

Rodgers will be 42 by season’s end and is well past the point where age and injury can quickly conspire to end a career.

  • The subjective risks Rodgers brings are perhaps more pertinent.

Mike Tomlin praised first round pick Derrick Harmon for having “Steelers DNA.” Look up and down the members of the Steelers 2025 Draft Class, and you’ll see the words “strong character guy,” “great for the locker room,” and/or “natural leader.” Ditto their 2024 class.

Check out Jim Wexell’s interview with Darius Slay and you’ll see a veteran who oozes a “been there, done that” ethos who embraces his role as mentor for players like Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice and Beanie Bishop.

In contrast, Aaron Rodgers carries a well-earned reputation for forcing an “I” into the word “team.”

He tried to get the coach and GM fired at the end of his time Green Bay. He succeeded in doing that with the Jets. He unhesitatingly points fingers at teammates when things get tough.

Per Over the Cap, Aaron Rodgers has earned $381,692,206 in his career. But that didn’t stop him from whining about having to buy his own plane ticket for his final meeting with the Jets. (Hint for Rodgers – next time splurge on an economy plus upgrade, and enjoy the extra leg room.)

  • Mike Tomlin is no stranger to managing diva locker room personalities.

Perhaps he was at his best in doing that when Ben Roethlisberger was hooking up with Antonio Brown for the Christmas Night Immaculate Extension that set up Pittsburgh’s most recent playoff wins.

antonio brown, steelers christmas win over ravens, steelers vs. ravens

Four Ravens can’t stop Antonio Brown from score the game winning touchdown in Steelers Christmas win over Ravens. Photo Credit: Steelers.com

But Aaron Rodgers could easily put those skills to the test.

Welcome to Pittsburgh Bobby Layne 3.0

Shortly after the smoke cleared following the playoff ridiculing against the Ravens, Steel City Insider’s Jim Wexell mused that the Steelers had tried Neil O’Donnell (Mason Rudolph), Mark Malone (Kenny Pickett) and Bobby Layne (Russell Wilson) to no avail.

Once the Rodgers signing became official, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabio took the Steelers brain trust to task for promising not to do the same thing over again and expect different results.

  • DeFabio has the facts on his side.

A year ago, the Steelers brought in an aging Super Bowl champion quarterback at a bargain basement price and suffered yet another embarrassing playoff loss. Now they just signed another, older Super Bowl quarterback.

Ziggy Hood, Aaron Rodgers, LaMarr Woodley, Casey Hampton, Super Bowl XLV

Ziggy Hood sacks Aaron Rodgers in Super Bowl XLV. Photo Credit: Tribune-Review

So be it. Unless Seattle proves that “the sixth time is the charm” with Sam Darnold or Justin Fields can mature into Jalen Hurts-lite in New York, finding a bridge quarterback was the best Steelers could have done this spring.

  • So think of Aaron Rodgers as Bobby Layne 3.0.

No, Layne did not bring an NFL Championship to the Steel City, but he give Pittsburgh the best professional football the city had ever seen.

While is far from a certain thing, Aaron Rodgers could bring Pittsburgh the best football its seen since Ben Roethlisberger threw out his arm in the second week of the 2019 season.

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Steelers Draft Will Howard in 6th Round of 2025 NFL Draft

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Well, it took 3 days, 6 rounds and 184 players but the Pittsburgh Steelers got their quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft when they took Ohio State’s Will Howard in the 6th round.

When announcing Derrick Harmon as their 2025 1st round pick Omar Khan affirmed that the Steelers would bring 4 quarterbacks to St. Vincents and Howard will be one of those. The Steelers were expected to take a quarterback in this draft, but few anticipated them waiting as long as the 6th round.

Will Howard, Will Howard Steelers 2025 6th round Pick

Will Howard at OSU. Photo Credit: Columbus Dispatch

Steel City Insider’s Roy Countryman initially had Will Howard rated as a 5th rounder on his value draft board. Countryman described him this way:

Howard is a Kansas State transfer who led OSU to a national title his final season. He is calm under pressure with the arm strength to fit passes into any area of the field with velocity.

What he needs to further refine is his ability to cycle through progressions quicker, but he has the athleticism to scramble for key gains and has the size (6-4,236) to withstand the rigors of playing in the AFC North.

However, in his final mock draft, Countryman had Howard going to the Steelers in the 3rd explaining:

…after doing one final viewing of his tape, and taking a look at the landscape of quarterback-needy teams, I can see him being coveted for his size and leadership and he has a chance to go as high as the third round.

….While at times Howard needs to speed up his ability to cycle through progressions, he has the athleticism to scramble for key gains, has the size (6-4,236) to withstand the rugged AFC North, and remains calm under pressure with the arm strength to fit passes into any area of the field with velocity. Plus, he has a drive to make those who overlook him regret it, which shows in his work ethic.

Howard’s play down the stretch is part of what impressed the Steelers, as offensive coordinator Arthur Smith explained, “You always want to see how people respond to adversity. … You want to see those guys respond, and Will was in that leadership role. He played his best football at the end of the year.”

Will Howard Highlights

Here’s a quick view of some of Will Howard’s highlights.

Will Howard joins Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the Steelers quarterbacks. There will be a fourth one in the room by the time the Steelers arrive in Latrobe. Whether that chair goes to Aaron Rodgers, another unemployed veteran or some undrafted rookie free agent remains to be seen.

But for now, we’ll simply say, welcome to Steelers Nation Will Howard.

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Steelers Sign Mason Rudolph. Now Let’s Stop the Aaron Rodgers Nonsense

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The NFL free agent market has been humming and, while the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been passive, they have been less active than expected. Today the made their first move at quarterback, and it is a surprise.

The Steelers opted to reconnect with a familiar face, but not the one everyone expected to see, as they signed Mason Rudolph to a 2-year contract worth a reported 8 million dollars.

Mason Rudolph, Steelers vs. Seahawks, Najee Harris

Mason Rudoph and Najee Harris during the Steelers 2023 win over the Seahawks. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.come

It says here that Mason Rudolph’s return to Pittsburgh should end the franchise’s flirtation with Aaron Rodgers. Period.

  • Full Stop. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. Just end the nonsense now.

Aaron Rodgers has been released by the Jets and his name has been linked to the Steelers since he began making noises about getting out of Green Bay. The Steelers have, per reports made him an offer. The fact that he still has yet to take it should tell Art Rooney II, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin all they need to know — they should rescind the offer and end this nonsense now.

If the Steelers don’t see Mason Rudolph as their starter for 2025, and his contract says they don’t, they should resign Russell Wilson.

  • No, Russell Wilson doesn’t have a lot left in the tank — Aaron Rodgers has less.
  • Yes, age has robbed Russell Wilson of his abilities —  age has ransacked Aaron Rodgers.
  • Yes, Russ had issues with his coaches — Aaron Rodgers is an unrepentant coach killer.
  • No, Russ isn’t likely to get the Steelers to a Super Bowl next year — neither is Aaron Rodgers.
  • Yes, Russ may create some locker room friction — Aaron Rodgers does that unhesitatingly.

The Steelers have taken a conservative approach, to say the least, at quarterback this off season. They’ve declined to engage in a bidding war for Justin Fields or Sam Darnold. They’re unwilling (and wisely so) to give up draft capital to bring in a Geno Smith or Derrick Carr.

  • And they’re not allowing inertia to pull them back to Russell Wilson by default.

Fair enough.

The Steelers have done their due-dilgence. They’ve refused to throw money at mediocre quarterbacks. It is time to either resign-Wilson, assuming he’s willing, or simply go with Mason Rudolph.

Mason Rudolph & the Steelers: What a Long Strange Trip Its Been

The Steelers of course drafted Mason Rudolph in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Rudolph stood in street clothes throughout 2018, only to be thrust into the starting role 6 quarters into 2019 as Ben Roethlisberger injured his elbow in the home-0pening loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

  • And thus began Rudolph’s rollercoaster ride with the Steelers.

Over the next 4 years, Rudolph would appear in 21 games for the Steelers, starting 13 of those and going 8-4-1. Once seen as Ben Roethlisberger’s potential heir-apparent, he spent the summer of 2022 behind Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett as QB No. 3 despite arguably out playing both men.

Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Steelers 2022 Training Camp, Steelers St. Vincents 2022

Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett in 2022 at St. Vincents. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Mason Rudolph spent the 2023 off season as an afterthought, until signing a veteran minimum deal with the Steelers. There he remained an afterthought, until an ugly 3 game losing streak that included a major injury to Kenny Pickett led Mike Tomlin to start him.

Rudolph responded by quarterbacking the Steelers to 3 straight wins, and had the team with in a touchdown of tying the Buffalo Bills with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter of the AFC Divisional playoffs.

The Steelers opened the 2024 off season with Mike Tomlin declaring the team wanted to resign him. Steel City Insider’s Jim Wexell did report that the Steelers made him an offer, but with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields’ arrivals, Rudolph opted to sign with Tennessee Titans.

With the Titans Rudolph appeared in 8 games, starting 5 of those and going 1-4 in those contests.

  • He did, however come off the bench to lead two comeback wins.
  • Overall, he posted respectable passing numbers.

Do those numbers suggest that Rudolph is capable a Baker Mayfield like revival? No, they do not. But if the Steelers offensive line investments pay the dividends they expect it to pay, and if Jaylen Warren and a yet to be drafted running back can establish the run, the Steelers could win a lot of games with Mason Rudolph running Arthur Smith’s under center offense.

Barring that, he strikes me as the perfect “bridge quarterback” to the lead the team on the eve of what is said to be a quarterback-rich 2026 NFL Draft class.

Its been a long strange trip indeed, but welcome back to Pittsburgh Mason.

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Whether He’s QB No. 1 or Not, Justin Fields Proves He’s a True Man

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As of midday Friday, Mike Tomlin may not have made it “official” yet, but there is a very strong chance Russell Wilson will get the starting nod for the Steelers over Justin Fields.

Justin Fields, Steelers vs Radiers

Justin Fields rushes for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter. Photo Credit: AP via Tribune-Review

Tomlin has apparently made a decision but is attempting to keep the information in house for the time being.

Fair enough. But the writing is on the wall about something that is pretty important: Justin Field has proved he’s a true man.

When reporters asked him about his potential demotion, Fields addressed it head on:

I mean, I don’t think I’ve played good enough, if I am being real with you. If I am being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough I don’t think there would be any sort of who should be playing and who should not. At the end of the day, we got a few wins and of course I am glad about that but there are area that I can get better at and I am going to continue to work on those and continue to get better.

Wow. This is from the mouth of a 25 year old man, a former 11th overall draft pick, and a starting NFL quarterback with 4-2 record and a passer rating that’s higher than Patrick Mahomes.

  • The humility, responsibility and grace which Fields displayed is nothing short of incredible.

You seldom see that from professional athletes.

Andy Russell once told Dan Rooney he didn’t think he’d played well enough to deserve a raise (Rooney gave him the raise anyway) and Jack Lambert said he didn’t feel comfortable collecting his salary when he was on IR. But those revelations reached the public long after they happened.

Fields manned up in the locker room, in front of the camera, in an age when Steelers fans from Nome, Alaska to the Tierra del Fuego, Argentina could follow his words in real time. About the only thing similar in recent memory is Troy Polamalu denying he deserved the Steelers MVP award in 2010 (and then immediately going out and showing that he did deserve it.)

But, while not to discredit Polamalu’s example, remaining humble while you’re getting honored is very different than maintaining your humility when things aren’t going well.

  • I don’t know what the future holds for Justin Fields.

Fields, I suspect, still has more story to write with the Steelers, even that doesn’t happen this Sunday night against the Jets. Although he hasn’t passed the tests he needs to pass to remain QB undisputed No. 1 on the field, he’s passed the character test with flying colors.

Wilson Also Deserves Praise

Another player who has done an exemplary job of embracing his role is Russell Wilson. Wilson came to Pittsburgh with a bit of a bad rap for his locker room rapport in Seattle and to a degree in Denver.

Whether that reputation is deserved or more of a storyline pushed by the national media remains unknown. But all indications are that Wilson has been a class act in Pittsburgh. When asked to assess Fields’ play, Wilson declared “Justin has done a great job. I think he’s a tremendous quarterback.”

And, in contrast to his now clipboard holding predecessor, Wilson readily admits that he’s learned something by watching from the sidelines. Very refreshing.

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