‘I’m Confident That I Can Play Well When My Number’s Called’ — Mason Rudolph Gets Honest About Steelers QB Depth Chart Amid Aaron Rodgers Speculation

It’s been over two months since Mason Rudolph returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a year away with the Tennessee Titans. Had it been known at the time that, come mid-May, Rudolph would be the lead candidate to start for the team in September, the move would likely have garnered more attention.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan has previously stated that the team will go into training camp with four quarterbacks, with only three currently on the roster. That has led to continued speculation linking the team with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. During a recent interview, Rudolph was quizzed on his feelings regarding Rodgers’ potential arrival and appeared ready to take any competition in stride.

Mason Rudolph Well Aware of What Aaron Rodgers’ Arrival Would Mean For Him

Rudolph ended his previous spell in Pittsburgh as well as he could have, taking the reins for the final three games of the 2023 regular season. He would win all three of those games, including divisional match-ups against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

Nevertheless, Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh as a likely depth signing, with the team expected to add a starting quarterback in either free agency or the draft. With only sixth-round pick Will Howard joining Rudolph via the draft, and Skylar Thompson added in free agency, eyes have once again turned to the aforementioned Rodgers.

During an appearance on the “Kaboly and Mack” podcast, Rudolph was asked about the potential arrival of Rodgers, and his feelings about training camp competition.

“Competition is so normal,” he said, “I’m so used to it now. Every team’s adding quarterbacks every year, it’s just normal mode of operation.” But while the quarterback projected confidence in himself, he wasn’t naive about what the addition of a veteran like Rodgers would mean for his chances.

“I learned a long time ago, you know, who it is, and then financial compensation, will really tell you what’s gonna go down as far as the depth chart.”

Rudolph Ready to Do What’s Needed in Pittsburgh

Rudolph was very careful when answering each question, but carried himself very well and came across as incredibly likable throughout the interview. After acknowledging that it might be a “cliche” answer, the quarterback declared his intention to do everything he can for the team, whatever his role may be.

“All I can really do, as cliche and annoying as it sounds, is just keep having a great spring and enjoying working with the receivers, learning the offense, making the most of every rep I can get. That’s what I did in 2023; that’s what I’ve done my whole career, and you get opportunities, and you’ve just got to be ready to capitalize when they come.

“If that means starting or backing up, I can do that whole song and dance, and I’m confident that I can play well, win games, when my number’s called. So I’m gonna keep taking it day by day and we’ll see what happens.”

While Rudolph declined to reveal exactly what he’d been told by Khan upon signing, his openness to being the backup so early in the offseason would suggest that he’s expecting to be doing exactly that. Both Rodgers and the Steelers have been very clear about their situation, and Rudolph is well aware that his role with the team will likely depend on the outcome on things that are yet to be settled.