An annual rite of passage… Our Training Camp Previews for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concept here is pretty straightforward; we’ll take a look at each position. Who is vying for a place on the 53-man roster and how will that happen? Obviously there are some spots much each easier to break down than others but we’ll do our best to cover it all. Today we cover the Quarterbacks.
Aaron Rodgers, 21st Season
After a Spring of flirtations, Rodgers finally signed with the Steelers and participated in the three-day mini-camp in early June. Do not be fooled one way or another about how Rodgers “looked.” He pretty much only threw to his wide receivers and was otherwise very limited in terms of what he did. Rodgers enters Training Camp as the starter; there is no QB competition regardless of how he may play in Camp or the preseason.
The Steelers believe that the play of Rodgers in the latter stages of 2024 is what he’s capable of in 2025. They might be right but two factors will have to come to fruition. The offensive line must make major strides forward while the talent around Rodgers must play at a consistently high level.
Mason Rudolph, 6th Season
After spending his first four seasons in Pittsburgh, Rudolph spent a very up and down season in Tennessee. His initial return was thought by some as an opportunity to compete for the starting job but his contract and the pursuit of Rodgers said otherwise. At this point in his career, Rudolph is what he is.
He’s a game manager who will know the offense and be able to run it as well. He will need assistance from a strong running game and he must have above average protection. He has had moments where he was able to scramble, but that’s not his game and it shouldn’t be. He’s a dropback passer and distributor of the ball. As he proved at the end of 2023, he can win you some games but he can also lose games too.
Skylar Thompson, 4th Season
Thompson was drafted by Miami in the 2022 NFL Draft in the seventh round. During his last three years, he started just three times going 1-2 in the process. He was brought in strictly as a ‘body’ to compete in Training Camp. His collegiate career at Kansas State showed more promise in my opinion largely due to his mobility but things just haven’t come together for him.
His biggest issue was staying healthy throughout college. He has an above average arm isn’t a guy that will make a lot of mistakes but he’s not going to make a lot of big plays for you either. I view Thompson as competing much more with Will Howard for the third QB job than putting himself in any conversation to replace Mason Rudolph.
Will Howard, Rookie
Give Howard credit where it’s due. The young man not only rebounded from a tough loss at Oregon during the Ohio State 2024 season but he also struggled at home in a loss to Michigan. All he did from there was win four straight games and lead the Buckeyes to the National Title. Howard is not going to make your jaw drop. He has ‘some’ mobility but don’t confuse him with being a threat with his legs.
Howard’s size and toughness are unquestionable. He has good arm strength and takes good care of the football. Keep in mind a couple of things here. Howard was not asked to do a lot in Columbus. He often read just half the field and rarely moved defensive backs with his eyes. He also had some of the most impressive offensive firepower any QB has had in years. That’s not a knock on him, it is what it is. If Howard and Thompson are even in Camp then I expect Howard who is younger and a recent draft pick, to get the nod.
The Outcome
Pencil in Rodgers and Rudolph. The only question left is who the third QB is and remember, this is now a guy who can participate even though he holds a clipboard most of the game. Frankly I don’t think that matters because neither Skylar Thompson nor Will Howard offer what Justin Fields did as an athlete. As I said above, if Howard and Thompson are even then this is Howard’s job. If the rookie really struggles? Then he’s off to the Practice Squad.
