The Pittsburgh Steelers are all-in on making a Super Bowl run in 2026, but that doesn't mean they should ignore the future of the franchise.
With Aaron Rodgers at the helm for what is expected to be his final NFL season, Pittsburgh has a narrow window to compete for a championship. That makes roster decisions even more important, and one move the Steelers should seriously consider is trading veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Rudolph has spent most of his NFL career in Pittsburgh, making it somewhat surprising that he is still backing up Rodgers after everything the organization has done to prepare for life beyond its veteran starter. The Steelers have invested in younger quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar, and both represent potential options for the future. If Pittsburgh believes those two are part of its long-term plans, keeping Rudolph around as the primary backup becomes a decision worth reconsidering.
There is no denying Rudolph's experience. He has spent years learning the Steelers' system, has started games when called upon, and understands what it takes to play in Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers need to determine whether his experience is worth sacrificing opportunities to develop their younger quarterbacks. With Rodgers leading a team that has major playoff aspirations, the organization has to balance winning now with preparing for what comes next.
Trading Rudolph would allow Pittsburgh to do both.
1 Player Steelers Must Trade
There should be teams around the NFL willing to consider Rudolph as a backup option. Not every franchise has the quarterback depth the Steelers currently possess, and an injury could leave a contender searching for a veteran capable of stepping in without requiring an extensive adjustment period. Rudolph may not generate a big return at all, but a sixth- or seventh-round pick could be enough to make a deal worthwhile.
The Steelers have reportedly received interest in Rudolph before, although the offers were not enough to convince them to move him. If another team comes calling before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh should at least be willing to revisit the conversation.
Of course, trading Rudolph would mean trusting Howard as Rodgers' primary backup. That is a risk, especially with Rodgers entering the season at 42 years old and Pittsburgh hoping to make a deep postseason run. Still, Howard has the potential to bring a different dimension to the position, and the Steelers need to find out what they have in the young quarterback before Rodgers leaves.
Howard is coming off a national championship season at Ohio State in 2024, giving him a pedigree that should make Pittsburgh excited about his development. He still has plenty to prove at the NFL level, but keeping him behind Rudolph indefinitely does little to answer whether he can become an option for the future. If Rodgers were to miss time, Howard could benefit from the opportunity to show what he can do rather than watching another season pass from the sideline.
Article Continues BelowThat doesn't mean Pittsburgh should start trading away other valuable pieces just to make room. Players such as Sebastian Joseph-Day, Nick Herbig, and Rayshawn Jenkins could theoretically attract interest, but the Steelers are 3-2 and have a realistic path to the playoffs. Their defensive depth matters, particularly if they want to compete with the AFC's best teams. Moving contributors at other positions would risk weakening a roster that is built to win now.
Rudolph is different because the Steelers have already invested in younger quarterbacks and need to determine whether those players can handle bigger responsibilities. His departure would create an opportunity for Howard without forcing Pittsburgh to sacrifice an important piece elsewhere.
Steelers fans have watched Rudolph return to the field when injuries strike, and the organization has to decide whether that familiar approach is still the best one. His experience has value, but so does finding out whether Howard can become the next quarterback Pittsburgh trusts.
Rodgers gives the Steelers a chance to chase a championship in 2026. Trading Rudolph for whatever reasonable return is available could help Pittsburgh prepare for the future without compromising that goal. It is time for the Steelers to give Howard a bigger opportunity and let another team benefit from Rudolph's experience.