Despite the looming retirement of potential 2025 starting QB Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t worried—because he’s confident in the return of quarterback Mason Rudolph.
When asked how he felt about Rudolph potentially being forced to start in 2025, Tomlin had this to say:
"I think that's why we acquired him. We like Mason Rudolph, but that's no secret."
Rudolph got his chance to shine in 2023 after the benching of then-starting QB Kenny Pickett, resulting in the best three-game stretch of his career: 3–0 as a starter, throwing for 719 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, a 74.3% completion rate, and a passer rating of 118.0.
This fantastic conclusion to his 2023 season, combined with the additions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, priced him out of Pittsburgh and led him to sign with Tennessee in 2024. Rudolph went 1–4 as the Titans' starting quarterback, throwing for 1,530 yards with a lackluster touchdown-to-interception ratio of nine TDs to nine INTs.
Mike Tomlin did say that he was open to Mason Rudolph potentially being the guy for the Steelers at QB if the circumstances fell that way.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) March 30, 2025
"I think that's why we acquired him. We like Mason Rudolph, but that's no secret."
His poor 2024 campaign likely allowed him to return to the Steel City on a team-friendly deal in 2025—but the Black and Gold faithful have sworn allegiance to Rudolph regardless of his previous short comings. With that in mind, Tomlin’s confidence in his ability cannot be understated as Rodgers’ 2025 future remains uncertain.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers HC confident in Mason Rudolph if Aaron Rodgers retires
