Mike Tomlin Expresses Faith in Mason Rudolph as Starting QB
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is confident in Mason Rudolph being the team's starting quarterback in 2025.
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Steelers have all of their eggs in the Aaron Rodgers basket as the wait continues for the free agent quarterback to make a decision. However, if that scenario falls through, head coach Mike Tomlin is very confident in the team’s backup plan.
That backup plan would be turning to Mason Rudolph as the team’s starter in 2025, which is something the Steelers have already witnessed.
“That’s why we brought him back. I’m comfortable with that,” Tomlin said. “We’ve been there before. He’s a very capable guy.”
Rudolph was thrust into the starting role when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 2 of the 2019 season. He started eight games and completed 176 of 283 passes (62.2%) for 1,765 yards (6.2 yards per attempt), 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The former third-round pick was then given the opportunity to start once again for final three games of the 2023 regular season after Kenny Pickett was lost to a high-ankle sprain and Mitchell Trubisky struggled in his limited action.
Rudolph responded with the best play of his career, completing 55 of 75 passes (74.3%) for 719 yards (10.5 yards per attempt) and a 118.0 quarterback rating. He led the Steelers to three straight victories and a playoff spot, before losing in the Wild Card round to the Buffalo Bills.
That has given Tomlin all the confidence he needs if the Steelers must turn to Rudolph once again.
“I just think anytime you experience something with somebody, there’s growth and acknowledged in that regard,” Tomlin said. “Certainly, the way he smiled in the face of adversity and delivered for us was significant, but not that I was shocked by it or didn’t think it was within his framework of capabilities. So we’re excited about having him back, not only in terms of his talents, but the guy that he is. He’s a really good teammate. He’s a really good football guy.”
Rudolph’s football resume isn’t the only reason Tomlin has faith in him to be the Steelers starter, though. Tomlin also acknowledged his ability to lead the locker room, which has grown quite fond of Rudolph over the years.
“That’s one of the informal responsibilities of the job, to connect with your teammates and lead in a lot of instances,” Tomlin said. “All of that is a really comfortable, natural act for him.”
With that said, the Steelers still envision Rodgers being their starter of the 2025 season. But if that doesn’t happen, don’t expect any more major changes to the room.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Palm Beach, Fla.