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, likely to Aaron Rodgers but not guaranteed due to competition with younger alternatives.
Recent News
- 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)
- 2026-03-19 — Fantasy Football Rookie Landing Spots: Best fits for each position after NFL free agency (Fantasy Football Rookie Landing Spots: Best fits for each position after NFL free agency)
- 2026-04-22 — Pittsburgh Steelers draft capsule: Quarterbacks and special teams (Pittsburgh Steelers draft capsule: Quarterbacks and special teams)
- 2026-03-18 — 2026 NFL free agency: Roster moves, questions for 32 teams (2026 NFL free agency: Roster moves, questions for 32 teams)
Open Questions
- Will Rudolph secure the backup QB job over Will Howard and Drew Allar during preseason competition?