NFL Trade Rumor: Pittsburgh Steelers projected to lose Mason Rudolph after Aaron Rodgers signing

Now there are several quarterbacks in the Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar.With Aaron Rodgers’ latest unexpected signing, the team could lean towards their 2025 sixth round pick Will Howard and 2026 third round pick Drew Allar. Leaving Mason Rudolph out of the picture.Despite having 2025 draft pick Will Howard, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Drew Allar this year.The Steelers are developing signal callers for the primary backup role. Aaron Rodgers played for them in 2025, during which he developed a rapport with Will Howard.This gives Pittsburgh hope for the 2026 season: where they could expect Aaron Rodgers to develop the same rapport with Drew Allar.If the Steelers have concerns about Aaron Rodgers’ performance, they could use Rodgers’ understudies [Will Howard and Drew Allar] to complete the season. In this whole picture-perfect quarterback scenario, there seems to be no room for Mason Rudolph.According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, Mason Rudolph is an established veteran, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers, they made his status ‘expendable.’ Meaning: replaceable.Especially if they prefer developmental quarterbacks like Will Howard and Drew Allar for the primary backup role.Now, what would happen to Mason Rudolph? He could be traded to some other team.FanSided’s Austen Bundy proposes a trade scenario for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints: Mason Rudolph in exchange for a single draft pick [2027 conditional sixth round pick].The pick could be upgraded to a 2027 fifth round pick, provided Rudolph starts half of the Saints games in 2026.The New Orleans Saints need depth and consistency behind 2025 draft pick Tyler Shough.The current backups, Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson, may not instill much confidence in head coach Kellen Moore, but acquiring Mason Rudolph could take all three to a whole new competitive level. Rudolph is more physical than Rattler and Wilson.The 30-year-old Oklahoma State alum recorded 38 completions on 52 attempts for 310 passing yards and two touchdowns in five games in 2025. His overall completion rate was 64.6 percent, and his passer rating was 84.7.Mason Rudolph was drafted in 2019 as Pittsburgh Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s successor, but he never rose to the occasion.He recorded 176 completions on 283 attempts for 1,765 passing yards and 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 10 games of his rookie campaign.Since then, Ben Roethlisberger [2019-21], Kenny Pickett [2022-23], Russell Wilson [2024], and Aaron Rodgers [2025-onwards] have taken care of the quarterback realm in Pittsburgh.So, Mason Rudolph could be a perfect fit for the New Orleans Saints behind Tyler Shough.FanSided’s Austen Bundy reports that Pittsburgh is “one bad injury away from a torched season.” But if Mason Rudolph comes into the picture, he could give Kellen Moore confidence to stay afloat in the season.1. Los Angeles Chargers - as support for star quarterback Justin Herbert, in case injuries catch up.2. Jacksonville Jaguars - if QB1 Trevor Lawrence needs an upgraded backup to take over the fort.3. Miami Dolphins - if former Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback Malik Willis fails to prove himself as first time full-time starter.4. Denver Broncos - better option than 2025 backup QB Jared Stidham for Bo Nix.