New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an awkward spot following the NFL Draft. They have three quarterbacks on the roster: Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. Steelers general manager Omar Khan wants to land one more at the quarterback position before training camp. All signs continue to point to Aaron Rodgers being that guy.
Mike Tomlin wants the seasoned vet on the team, no matter how controversial Rodgers might be.
All avenues point to Rodgers becoming the Steelers’ starting quarterback at the beginning of the season. Who knows when the future Hall of Famer will make his final decision? As Pittsburgh waits, they have supplied three quarterbacks who could start for them in a pinch. None are terrific choices, but they could push them through 2025 if Rodgers refuses to pick a lane.
If Tomlin convinces Rodgers to join his roster, it would be bad news for Mason Rudolph. No, he wouldn’t lose a spot on the depth chart, but it could sink his future with the team. He would immediately drop to the backup spot, and he could sink further. Signing a veteran like Rodgers would not do Rudolph many favors regarding his potential future as a starter.
Pittsburgh Steelers future at quarterback could produce a bumpy road
After going back and forth with Rodgers, the Steelers brought back Rudolph during free agency. He signed a two-year deal to return to Pittsburgh. He might not be a fantastic quarterback, but he is comfortable playing whenever his number gets called. Portions of the fanbase would rather have Rudolph start, while others eagerly wait for Rodgers to sign with the organization.
If Rodgers joins the Steelers, it will have an overwhelming effect on their quarterback room. Rudolph will become the backup, but don’t discount what else it could do to their other players. Unless injuries begin to mount, Thompson will have no chance of making the roster. Maybe he could revert to the practice squad or find a new home elsewhere.
Rodgers could produce an earthquake that shakes the core of the depth chart.
Having Rodgers help tutor Howard might be the best outcome of this addition. Howard was the Steelers’ sixth-round pick in the NFL Draft, which appears to be of substantial value. The Ohio State product will hopefully challenge for the backup spot this season. If Rodgers joins, Rudolph could drop to the third-string role, which he wasn’t comfortable with last time.
Signing the former NFL MVP might give the team their best shot at a playoff spot this season, but it won’t help them get to the promised land. Rudolph would be hurt the most by this addition. He would immediately lose his starting job, and it could result in a worse fate. Howard jumping Rudolph in the depth chart this year isn’t farfetched, especially if Rodgers helps the rookie develop.
