Aaron Rodgers' return could force Steelers to trade Mason Rudolph

Aaron Rodgers' potential return may very well force the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade veteran backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Rudolph remains one of the league's top backups and would be valuable for the Steelers to hold onto, but it would force the team to abandon their projected quarterback plan for 2026.

New head coach Mike McCarthy hasn't been shy about his goals for the Steelers' quarterback room: he wants three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. If Rodgers returns, he's the undisputed starter. And there's very little chance the team releases their two young quarterback prospects in Will Howard or 2026 third-round rookie Drew Allar, which leaves Rudolph as the odd man out.

Following the third-round selection of Allar, there were reports that the Steelers were open to trading Rudolph, leaving his future with the team in doubt if Rodgers makes his triumphant return in the coming weeks.

If the Steelers opt to trade Rudolph, there are a few landing spots that would make the most sense, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Indianapolis Colts, two teams with competent starters but poor backup quarterbacks. It remains to be seen, however, what compensation package he could demand.