The Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for 2025 was, until last week, Mason Rudolph — a veteran familiar with the franchise who had spent last season with the Tennessee Titans. However, with the team bringing in four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, it became clear that the plan all along had been to land the former New York Jets quarterback after his release.
With that move, the Steelers’ intentions for the season came into focus — and Rudolph seems to understand that. Speaking publicly for the first time since the signing, the quarterback showed a mature and level-headed response to the team’s decision.
Mason Rudolph Talks About Steelers Signing Aaron Rodgers
One of the final lingering storylines of the NFL offseason came to an end last Thursday. After months of heavy speculation, Rodgers finally signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth approximately $13.65 million — a move that inevitably cements him as the team’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Rudolph had attended the MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies, and as he prepared to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, reporters asked him about the evolving quarterback situation within the Steelers organization.
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph and TE Connor Heyward hanging with Pirates relievers Chase Shugart and David Bednar on the field before BP at Pirates-Phillies game at PNC Park. pic.twitter.com/d8zvtVGlWc
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) June 7, 2025
“I had a feeling they were going to bring somebody in. Obviously, Aaron was at the forefront of the conversation for a long time,” Rudolph said. “It provides clarity. I’m excited to see a lot of the faces that are coming back, obviously Aaron. I’m just going to keep doing my job, that’s all I can do, and try to help my team win games.”
From the very start of the offseason, even before free agency officially began, the Steelers traded for wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seahawks, signaling that the team might be preparing to bring in a new quarterback and surround him with a more dynamic offense.
As the first wave of free agency passed and the team opted not to select a quarterback in the early rounds of the draft, the pressure mounted. If Rodgers had decided to retire, the team would have had to roll with Rudolph as the starter, a scenario that didn’t inspire much enthusiasm from fans, given Pittsburgh’s streak of winning seasons without real title contention.
Still, Rudolph remained professional throughout the process. He said the situation won’t change how he prepares and that he’ll continue to contribute however he can. Now, with Rodgers expected to take over as the starting quarterback, Rudolph is prepared to take on a backup role, just as he did during his first stint with the franchise.
While fans are eager to see Rodgers take the field, Rudolph stands out as one of the most capable backup quarterbacks in the league, thanks to his deep familiarity with Pittsburgh’s system. His understanding of the situation reflects a player who has grown and matured throughout his career.
