The Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to pivot their quarterback strategy as Aaron Rodgers shows reluctance about signing with the team.
They’ve already positioned Mason Rudolph at the helm for the 2025 season and are set to proceed with him as their starting QB if necessary. Looking ahead, the Steelers have their sights on drafting Shedeur Sanders, the impressive Colorado quarterback, signaling a commitment to their future roster.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have decided to stick with Rudolph for now, who has secured his place with a fresh two-year contract.
Rodgers, cut loose by the New York Jets in March 2025, had been in discussions with several teams, including the Steelers. But during a recent segment on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers voiced his indecision about his career path, admitting he’s “open to anything and attached to nothing,” retirement included.
With the four-time MVP’s future up in the air, the Steelers are redirecting their focus towards Rudolph and the prospect of bringing in a rookie from the draft, per reports from SportsKeeda.
Rudolph, originally selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has mostly played backup throughout his tenure. Now, with limited starts under his belt, Rudolph is presented with an opportunity to establish himself as the franchise’s leading man in 2025.
In his 2024 stint with the Tennessee Titans, Rudolph took to the field in eight matchups, completing only 25 out of 106 throws for a formidable 1,530 yards, contributing to nine touchdowns and as many interceptions, all while maintaining a quarterback rating of 55.5. The helm of the team, Head Coach Mike Tomlin, hasn’t wavered in his support for Rudolph’s capabilities, and it has been hinted that the Steelers are squarely “not afraid” to go forward with him spearheading their offense.
Looking beyond Rudolph, the Steelers are also casting their sights on Sanders. The 21-year-old has attracted attention from scouts for his composure, pinpoint accuracy, and outstanding leadership credentials demonstrated at Colorado.
In his 2024 campaign, Sanders slung the ball for an impressive 4,134 yards and lobbed 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, culminating in a passer rating of 75.5. His stellar performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the coveted Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Should the Steelers decide to draft Sanders, they’d be injecting a fresh and electrifying talent into their ranks, potentially grooming him as the future face of the franchise.
With the NFL Draft on the horizon, the Steelers brass is busy blueprinting their strategy for 2025. They’re banking on either the seasoned prowess of Rudolph or the exuberance of a rookie sensation like Sanders to lead a squad poised to become a formidable force, especially when combined with the skills of star receiver D.K. Metcalf.
