The Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical decision at quarterback this offseason as they determine their roster for 2026. With Aaron Rodgers’s future in Pittsburgh unclear, only Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are currently under contract as quarterbacks. The question of who will back up Rodgers, or potentially start if Rodgers leaves, remains open, putting Rudolph’s role under scrutiny.
James Harrison Questions Comfort Level of Mason Rudolph as Backup
While Rudolph has often been seen as a secure option to serve as backup quarterback, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison expressed reservations about this assumption. On the Deebo & Joe podcast, Harrison suggested the team should explore adding other contenders rather than allowing Rudolph to hold the backup position without competition. Harrison criticized Rudolph’s performance in relief appearances, recalling a notable interception against Buffalo.
“I’d rather trade for one of these other cats, and see, and have a competition before I go and just let him sit there comfortably,”
Harrison said Monday on his Deebo & Joe podcast.
“And look what he did when he came in, threw the pick immediately. ‘Oh, they ain’t throwing no picks, let me show ya’ll how to do this’.”
Mason Rudolph’s Strengths and Limitations Highlighted
At this stage in his career, Rudolph’s capabilities are well understood. He has proven able to manage the offense against suitable opponents, demonstrated by a strong showing last year when filling in for Rodgers against Cincinnati, completing 12 of 16 passes with a touchdown in a solid win. He also led multiple touchdown drives as a starter the following week against Chicago.
Nevertheless, Rudolph’s weaknesses are apparent. He does not appear capable of significantly elevating the offense without strong surrounding talent. For instance, in the game against Chicago, a reversed run due to penalty halted a possible game-winning drive. Subsequently, Rudolph was unable to convert on a critical fourth-down attempt to tie the game, underscoring questions about his clutch performance under pressure.
Interception Against Buffalo Raises Further Doubt
Rudolph’s brief relief appearance against the Buffalo Bills resulted in a costly interception, an error which James Harrison cited as a cautionary moment. The interception was notably captured in a tweet by the Buffalo Bills, highlighting Christian Benford’s defensive play.
CB will take that. 😈
Christian Benford x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/LrQX3qMWAI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 30, 2025
Competition for Backup Role Expected to Intensify
With Aaron Rodgers possibly returning, one quarterback spot appears secured. Will Howard represents a developing talent who could challenge for the backup role, especially if the Steelers aim to groom him as Rodgers’s eventual successor. Additionally, selecting a quarterback in the upcoming draft would create more competition, further threatening Rudolph’s job security.
Despite these challenges, Rudolph offers the kind of stability valued in an NFL backup. His retention in Pittsburgh has largely been due to head coach Mike Tomlin’s confidence in him. However, new head coach Mike McCarthy has publicly praised both Rodgers and Howard but has not extensively endorsed Rudolph, calling into question how much trust McCarthy places in him.
Future Outlook for Mason Rudolph with the Steelers
Mason Rudolph is among the better backup quarterbacks available in the league, providing a reliable option should injuries occur. Nevertheless, James Harrison suggests that Rudolph’s position on the Steelers roster in 2026 is not guaranteed and that the organization should encourage competition rather than settle for the familiar. This approach may impact the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart and overall team strategy in the coming season.
CB will take that. 😈
Christian Benford x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/LrQX3qMWAI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 30, 2025
