Mason Rudolph's position with the Pittsburgh Steelers is increasingly precarious as the team prepares for the 2026 season. Competing against established quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, and Drew Allar, Rudolph appears to be the odd man out in the team's quarterback lineup. The Steelers are not in a hurry to trade or release him, with head coach Mike McCarthy expressing confidence in all four quarterbacks. The team holds leverage regarding Rudolph's future, as they can wait until final roster cuts to make a decision. Rudolph, with 34 games and 19 starts of experience, could serve as a reliable backup for teams in need of a quarterback. If the Steelers receive a compelling offer, such as an early Day 3 pick, they may opt to trade him. Otherwise, they may look to deal him later in the summer for a late-round pick. Releasing Rudolph before the roster is finalized would only make sense if he requests it, allowing him to explore other options without the Steelers losing a potential backup in case of injuries to their other quarterbacks.