Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Idea Sends Mason Rudolph to Indianapolis Colts

A trade idea sending Mason Rudolph from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Indianapolis Colts has emerged. 

Andrew Vasquez of Steelers Wire believes the Steelers should consider trading Rudolph to the Colts. 

"With Anthony Richardson tied to more trade rumors than fans can keep up with, the Colts could very well be in the market for a reliable backup quarterback," Vasquez wrote. "Enter Mason Rudolph, who would serve as a solid QB2 behind Daniel Jones in 2026. Indianapolis would be wise to shore up the backup job in a hurry with Jones coming off an Achilles tear, and Rudolph more than checks that box."

Pittsburgh has four QBs right now: Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Drew Allar and Rudolph.

There's no point in having four QBs, so the Steelers should part ways with Rudolph to free up cap space.  

Rudolph has one year left on his contract. He has a base salary of $3 million for next season. The Steelers should get out of his contract as soon as possible. 

Rudolph is a below-average QB. He serves no purpose on the Steelers roster. The 30-year-old has 4,925 career passing yards, 30 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions. He's played for the Steelers [twice] and Tennessee Titans. 

There might be a team desperate for a No. 2 QB. The Steelers have to find that team and offer them Rudolph, who won't play in 2026 in Pittsburgh.

If Pittsburgh can't trade Rudolph, cutting him would be the next logical move.

Should Rodgers get hurt next season, Allar and Howard are ahead of Rudolph on the depth chart. 

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