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Mason Rudolph
QB · PIT

Mason Rudolph

Position QB
Team PIT
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Mason Rudolph

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Years with Steelers: 2018–2023, 2025–present (returned after 2024 with Titans)
  • Career Record: 9-9-1 as starter

2026 Outlook

Mason Rudolph is competing for the backup QB role with Pittsburgh entering 2026. At 32 years old, Rudolph has spent most of his career with the Steelers but was ranked No. 27 among NFL backup quarterbacks by Sports Illustrated, below several younger backup prospects. The competition intensifies with Will Howard (2025 sixth-rounder, entering second season) and Drew Allar (2026 third-round pick) also on the roster. While HC Mike McCarthy appears likely to hand Rudolph the QB2 job despite the ranking, it's not guaranteed—Howard could emerge in the preseason. Rudolph posted a 1-5 record as a starter over the past two seasons (2024 with Tennessee, 2025 relief duty with Pittsburgh), throwing 11 TDs and 11 INTs. His 2023 season was strong (3-0, great numbers in stretch run to playoffs), but inconsistency has defined recent performance. (per Steelers' Mason Rudolph Put on Notice Ahead of 2026 NFL Season)

Howard's ability to learn new offensive systems quickly—he's cycled through three different playbooks in three years (Kansas State, Ohio State, now Pittsburgh)—could level the playing field that experience would normally give Rudolph. The competition for QB2 is shaping up as an even matchup depending on preseason performance (per Will Howard's Familiar Challenge Could Help Him Win Steelers QB2 Job at Camp).

Potential trade to Bears (Sept 23): With Chicago dealing with dual QB injuries—Caleb Williams (low-grade hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion)—analyst Kristopher Knox suggests Rudolph as a logical trade candidate for the Bears. Pittsburgh, after seeing poor performances from Rudolph over the past two seasons (1-5 record, 11 TDs/11 INTs), may be willing to trade him to free up reps for younger prospects Drew Allar and Will Howard. Rudolph's expiring contract (free agent after 2026 season) also incentivizes Pittsburgh to extract value now rather than losing him for nothing in free agency. However, if Williams and Bagent return quickly (likely scenarios), Chicago may not pursue the trade given the short-term nature of their QB crisis. (per Bears and Steelers Considered Logical Trade Partners Amid Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent Injuries)

Potential trade to Seattle (Sept 12): If Seattle Seahawks starter Sam Darnold's Week 1 hip injury extends beyond an initial few weeks, the Seahawks are reportedly exploring trade options. Rudolph, as an experienced 8-year veteran with Super Bowl-system familiarity from his time in Pittsburgh under Mike McCarthy (now Steelers HC), is a natural fit if Seattle needs a short-term replacement. Rudolph's current contract ($7.5M over two years, $17M guaranteed) makes him a feasible trade candidate if Pittsburgh determines Howard or Allar are ready. Rudolph's familiarity with Shanahan-system principles—taught through McCarthy's coaching tree and his own experience in various offenses—could ease a transition to Seattle's playoff-contending roster. For fantasy purposes, this remains speculative, but an unexpected trade to Seattle could elevate Rudolph's fantasy relevance if he inherits starting duties during Darnold's recovery (per NFL Trade Rumor: Seattle Seahawks urgently linked to $17M Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback amid Sam Darnold...).

Trade deadline window (Oct 2, 2026): With Aaron Rodgers remaining healthy through early October, Rudolph remains a candidate for trade as the Nov. 10 deadline approaches. ESPN's trade deadline preview notes the Steelers could move Rudolph if they feel confident about Will Howard or Drew Allar, freeing QB2 reps for younger prospects. ESPN cites "conversations with team executives around the league" suggesting this scenario. Rudolph is viewed as the most likely Steelers QB to be traded at the deadline if Rodgers stays healthy, because he's a veteran backup on an expiring contract (free agent after 2026), whereas Howard and Allar are long-term assets Pittsburgh wants to develop. (per 2026 NFL trade deadline early look: Candidates to move, key teams, predictions - espn.com and How Aaron Rodgers will impact Steelers' QB trade plans at NFL deadline)

Role / Depth Chart

Backup QB (QB2) to Aaron Rodgers, confirmed during training camp and reinforced in preseason Week 2 when Rudolph sat out alongside Rodgers while backup QBs Howard and Allar saw all the reps against the Jets (per Steelers news: Aaron Rodgers isn't playing, but is QB decision a hint at depth chart?). Will Howard and Drew Allar compete for the QB3 role behind Rudolph. The Steelers are carrying up to four QBs on the 53-man roster in 2026 (per Steelers QB Depth Chart Gets Big Drew Allar, Will Howard Update).

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Rudolph secure the backup QB job over Will Howard and Drew Allar during preseason competition?

Sources

Coaches shaping Mason's role

Mike McCarthyHead CoachBrian AngelichioOffensive CoordinatorJason SimmonsDefensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksJahri EvansAssistant Offensive Line CoachJames CampenOffensive Line CoachTim BerbenichGame Management/QuarterbacksTom ArthQuarterbacks Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

Underdog Fantasy Football - Josh & HaydenYou're Drafting Rookies All Wrong - 2026 Fantasy Football
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