PIT 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).
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
- 2026-07-28 — Steelers’ Mason Rudolph, Will Howard To Compete For Backup QB Spot? - NFL Rumors (Steelers’ Mason Rudolph, Will Howard To Compete For Backup QB Spot? - NFL Rumors)
- 2026-08-20 — Mason Rudolph 'jealous' of young QB program Mike McCarthy has implemented (Mason Rudolph 'jealous' of young QB program Mike McCarthy has implemented)
- 2026-05-31 — Steelers insider believes Mason Rudolph will be QB2 in 2026 (Steelers insider believes Mason Rudolph will be QB2 in 2026)
- 2026-06-29 — Steelers roster spotlight: Will Mason Rudolph secure the QB2 role? (Steelers roster spotlight: Will Mason Rudolph secure the QB2 role?)
- 2026-05-09 — McCorkle: Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-OTAs) (McCorkle: Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-OTAs))
- 2026-05-11 — What’s next in the NFL? Schedule release, A.J. Brown trade, Brandon Aiyuk’s status (What’s next in the NFL? Schedule release, A.J. Brown trade, Brandon Aiyuk’s status)
- 2026-03-08 — Hilltopper Football Announces 2026 Staff Updates (Hilltopper Football Announces 2026 Staff Updates)
- 2026-06-12 — Pittsburgh Steelers Reorganize Quarterback Depth Chart Behind Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers Reorganize Quarterback Depth Chart Behind Aaron Rodgers)
- 2026-04-27 — Fantasy football: Rating the 2026 rookies in redraft and dynasty leagues (Fantasy football: Rating the 2026 rookies in redraft and dynasty leagues)
- 2026-06-02 — Conor Orr’s 100 Bold Predictions for the 2026 NFL Season (Conor Orr’s 100 Bold Predictions for the 2026 NFL Season)
Open Questions
- Will Rudolph secure the backup QB job over Will Howard and Drew Allar during preseason competition?