Steelers Rudolph Ranked On The Lower End For Backups Quarterbacks

Photo: Taylor Ollason/Pittsburgh Steelers

There is no doubt that uncertainty surrounds the Steelers' quarterback situation, particularly regarding veteran Aaron Rodgers and his status with the team. As a contingency plan, the team signed veteran Mason Rudolph to a two-year contract and selected Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round of this year's NFL Draft.

The Steelers' quarterback room has faced scrutiny from multiple media pundits. One such analyst, Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated, recently ranked all NFL backup quarterbacks, placing Rudolph 26th out of 32.

Manzano did not provide a detailed assessment of why Rudolph himself was ranked in the lower tier of backup quarterbacks. Instead, his ranking appears to be largely influenced by the Steelers' overall situation with Rodgers.

"Rudolph is penciled in as QB1 in Pittsburgh, but all signs point to Aaron Rodgers joining the team in time for training camp. (Although Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw is tired of waiting.) Rodgers made it evident by saying recently that he has plans to be in Chicago this season as an opposing player. The Steelers are scheduled to face the Bears in November. If Rodgers doesn’t sign, perhaps Rudolph is forced to compete with sixth-round rookie Will Howard for the starting gig."

The ranking may be influenced by the fact that Rudolph has 18 career starts under his belt, whereas Howard is just beginning his rookie season. If the Steelers choose to move on from Rodgers, they have the option of acquiring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has requested a trade from Atlanta.

Regardless of whether the team decides to add Rodgers to their roster or proceed with Rudolph as their starter, one thing is certain: the team's quarterback situation could remain uncertain until next year when the NFL Draft takes place in Pittsburgh.