Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has attracted trade interest from several NFL clubs as the regular season approaches.
The Steelers look settled at the position for 2026 with Aaron Rodgers slated to start. That arrangement gives the team a realistic shot at contention.
Rudolph sits behind Rodgers on the depth chart, followed by Will Howard and Drew Allar. The veteran currently holds the primary backup job.
Multiple teams have shown interest in acquiring Rudolph, according to league sources. The crowded nature of the quarterback market could make a deal harder to complete.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that executives around the league remain willing to discuss a trade for Rudolph.
The Steelers themselves appear open to moving the veteran. Finding a partner has proven more complicated than expected.
“NFL executives have stated that the Steelers are very open to trading veteran Mason Rudolph. However, the one thing stopping this is not Pittsburgh’s willingness to sell, it’s the number of quarterbacks potentially available across the league, which could make finding a deal more difficult,” La Canfora said.
Carrying four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster is rarely sustainable. Pittsburgh will almost certainly make a change before or shortly after Week 1.
Rudolph offers the most trade value of the three backups because of his experience. The Steelers could recoup a late-round pick or similar asset if they decide to deal him.
Rudolph has been in the NFL since 2018 after coming out of Oklahoma State. He has never started more than 10 games in one season.
Most of his career has been spent as a backup, almost entirely with Pittsburgh. He has shown he can step in when needed without much notice.
Last season Rudolph appeared in five games, including one start when Rodgers was unavailable. He threw for 310 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
His arm strength remains one of his calling cards. Teams looking for a capable veteran often prioritize that trait.
A new club might even consider him for a larger role depending on injuries or other developments at the position. That possibility keeps his name in trade conversations.
The Steelers have not rushed to move Rudolph. Rodgers is 42, so keeping an experienced backup on the roster still makes sense for now.
A strong enough offer could still prompt a change of plans. Pittsburgh has shown it is willing to listen.
The Steelers hope to go further this year after another early playoff exit. Mike McCarthy takes over as head coach with a roster that looks largely complete.
Pittsburgh opens the season at home against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13. Any trade involving Rudolph would likely happen before or soon after that game.
