When NFL teams trimmed to the 53-man roster, four franchises kept four quarterbacks instead of the typical two or three. The Pittsburgh Steelers were among those teams, keeping an extra signal-caller on their roster.
Heading into the season, the Steelers’ quarterback room features Aaron Rodgers as the presumed starter. The front office, however, decided not to part with trusted veteran Mason Rudolph, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, or third-round rookie Drew Allar. Rodgers and Allar were widely viewed as locks, leaving Rudolph and Howard as potential trade candidates.
Recent reporting suggests the Steelers might be open to moving one of those two veterans, though Rodgers would remain firmly in place. The possibility of trading Rudolph or Howard has gained traction, with the sense that the team would prefer to explore opportunities that could better position the quarterback group for the long term.
As the Steelers navigate this situation, the question becomes which quarterback—Rudolph or Howard—could become the trade asset. Rudolph, a two-year veteran on a contract set to expire after the current season, is known for his experience as a reliable veteran backup. Howard, by contrast, is a younger prospect who hasn’t yet taken a regular-season NFL snap, but shows potential for development.
The discussion around Rudolph’s trade value is nuanced. Steelers executives have indicated openness to moving him, but the market for veteran backups with durability and familiarity with the team’s system adds complexity. Additionally, several other teams also carry four quarterbacks on their rosters or maintain quarterbacks on their practice squads, which can limit trade options.
Rudolph signed a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million with Pittsburgh in March 2025 and is entering the final year of that contract. While Pittsburgh clearly values him as a veteran presence, they may believe Allar and Howard could handle the offense, potentially reducing the need for Rudolph as a depth option.
Ultimately, any deal would depend on finding a suitable partner. Some teams may prefer a younger quarterback with upside, while others might seek a veteran presence for insurance. The market’s overall shape at the position will influence whether the Steelers decide to trade Rudolph or Howard, or choose to retain both for the season.
For fans and analysts, the unfolding quarterback dynamic within the Steelers’ depth chart will be a storyline to watch as the season approaches, with the possibility of roster moves shaping the team’s offensive development and long-term quarterback strategy.
