Mike Tomlin is still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make up his mind and become the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season. A former Super Bowl champion in the Steel City, however, believes that Mason Rudolph should have an advantage for being earlier with the team.
Former NFL quarterback Charlie Batch, who celebrated two Super Bowl rings as a backup in 11 seasons with the Steelers (2002-2012), recently suggested that Rodgers’ delay to join Pittsburgh puts Rudolph in a better position to lead the offense.
“When you add an Aaron Rodgers, I think the longer it goes towards training camp, I think you have to give the edge to Mason Rudolph,” Batch said during an appearance on The Arthur Moats Experience, via Steeler Nation. “That means he knows the system a little better than what Aaron Rodgers would.
“We understand what his resume looks like, but again, this is not a system that Aaron has spent the majority of his career in. I just think the longer that this goes on, I think you’re kind of walking on thin ice as it relates to how soon are you going to put him in there.”
Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Batch knows what is like to take a back seat in the NFL, having spent his majority of his career as a backup with the Steelers. But he also knows what is like to having a great quarterback in the same room, as Ben Roethlisberger was the undisputed starter in Pittsburgh. Therefore, while his support for Rudolph is understandable, Batch should also know that Tomlin will probably not bench a QB of Rodgers caliber.
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Two months after signing Rudolph, Steelers still waiting for Rodgers
Batch does have a fair point when he talks about the time each quarterback has been with the team. While Rudolph joined the Steelers as soon as free agency started in March, Rodgers has yet to make a decision with the Third Phase of the offseason right around the corner.
The Steelers seemed to know that Rodgers could take his time to give an answer though, which is why they moved fast to bring back Rudolph. With the latter, not only are Tomlin and company getting insurance at quarterback, but also a player familiar with the team.
Rudolph spent six years in Pittsburgh before leaving for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. However, things changed in the Steel City last year. Since he left before Arthur Smith took over as offensive coordinator, Rudolph also has to learn a new system.
Key dates approaching for the Steelers
May 27 will be the start date for OTAs, with Rodgers’ presence unclear. Another date to watch is June 10, when the Steelers kick off their three-day mandatory veteran minicamp.
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Rodgers is reportedly leaning toward choosing the Steelers over retirement, but in the meantime, Tomlin is only counting on Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson as the Steelers’ QBs under contract for the 2025 NFL season.
