Mason Rudolph Gets Brutally Honest About ‘Constant Noise’ Amid Steelers’ Rumored Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ active offseason continues as OTA workouts began Tuesday, but it’s still without Aaron Rodgers. The conclusion of the Rodgers saga remains in question. In the meantime, the Steelers turn to a familiar face in Mason Rudolph. The five-year NFL veteran returned to Pittsburgh after a brief one-season stint with the Tennessee Titans.

Mason Rudolph Expresses Eagerness at Opportunity With Steelers

Rudolph is a former third-round pick who was originally believed to be the successor of Steelers’ legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger. His big chance to do so came in 2019, when he started eight games for the black and gold.

However, his 1,765 passing yards and 13-9 TD-INT ratio failed to leave a good impression. The results of Rudolph’s play led the Steelers to an 8-8 finish, keeping Mike Tomlin’s undefeated season record alive, but falling short of the postseason.

Now, Rudolph gets another stab at being the man at the helm for Tomlin. Regardless of whether another QB enters the equation, the 29-year-old is ecstatic about his redemption opportunity.

“I just think it’s a special place,” Rudolph said. “You know, I’ve got a lot of great friends and teammates here, a lot of comfortability with (head coach) Mike T(omlin) and the staff, and (general manager) Omar (Khan) put together a great roster. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this team and this offense?”

Rudolph’s anticipation to return comes as just he and two others fill the Steelers’ rostered QB spots. Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with Pittsburgh earlier this offseason.

Additionally, Khan and Steelers brass elected to draft last season’s national championship-winning quarterback, Will Howard, in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With Thompson likely being the black sheep, Howard and Rudolph currently pose as the two competitors for Pittsburgh’s starting QB job. With a bolstered offense around the ball-thrower, the Steelers have been heavily rumored to be adding either Rodgers or fellow veteran Kirk Cousins.

Is Kirk Cousins a better option for the Pittsburgh Steelers over Aaron Rodgers? pic.twitter.com/kjpJEKI7CX

— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) May 27, 2025

Despite the constant rumor mill and doubt about Rudolph, the Oklahoma State alumni is poised and focused on the task at hand.

“That’s nothing new to me. There’s been constant noise,” Rudolph said. “That is the nature of the NFL. So I am used to that for a long time. Now I’m doing nothing but being the best I can be to help our team get better this spring.”

The beginning of OTAs symbolizes the unofficial birth of a new NFL season. That said, Rudolph’s positivity and presence pose as redeeming qualities for the team in the city of bridges.

Rodgers’s continued delay in his free agency decision has created some uncertainty around the franchise. But with how things have played out, it seems like the Steelers’ front office is quite confident about their chances of signing the four-time NFL MVP.