Former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco harshly criticized the Pittsburgh Steelers’ vocal support for Mason Rudolph amid the team’s efforts to acquire Aaron Rodgers. Ochocinco accused head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers organization of projecting insincere confidence in their current quarterback as they pursue a high-profile veteran.
Mason Rudolph, who re-signed with Pittsburgh this offseason, is the Steelers’ primary quarterback for now. Despite the team’s outward expression of trust, questions remain about the genuine level of confidence in Rudolph’s ability to lead the offense moving forward.
“We’re optimistic about the room that we’re constructing. Obviously, we’re excited about having Mason Rudolph back,” Mike Tomlin said at the NFL owners’ meetings.
During his recent appearance on the show Nightcap, Ochocinco challenged the Steelers’ declarations of faith in Rudolph.
“Oh, we have confidence. Y’all had so much confidence in him, y’all let him go to Tennessee. It’s all words. That’s all hot air. They have to say those things—they’ve got to say the right thing, especially when the individual is back in the building.”
“You know you don’t believe in him. You know he’s not going to get the job done. Second-string quarterback. Third-string quarterback, if that. You need Aaron Rodgers, which is why you’re waiting. Because there are only so many quarterbacks out there you can go get.”
Ochocinco’s remarks referenced Rudolph’s short tenure with the Tennessee Titans after his initial departure from Pittsburgh. Rudolph has since returned to the Steelers but continues to face scrutiny regarding his future as the franchise quarterback.
Mason Rudolph’s Role Amid Steelers’ Quarterback Uncertainty
Despite the turbulence surrounding his status, Rudolph remains the Steelers’ starting quarterback as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch expressed support for Rudolph’s position within the quarterback competition, suggesting that the timing of Rodgers’ decision could work in Rudolph’s favor.
Batch pointed out Rudolph’s recent time with the Steelers gives him an advantage in learning the offensive system over Rodgers, who has yet to commit to the team.
“Mason Rudolph, he was here, but he wasn’t in this system,” Batch said. “So he does have a leg up as it relates to learning the offense because he’s been here for the last couple months.”
“I think the longer it goes towards training camp, I think you have to give the edge to Mason Rudolph because that means he knows the system a little bit better than what Aaron Rodgers [does].”
Rudolph has openly acknowledged that the Steelers plan to explore their quarterback options, yet he remains focused on competing for the starting role. His recent playoff experience with the team bolsters his claim to the position, having helped lead Pittsburgh to the postseason and nearly defeating the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round.
What Rudolph’s Future Could Mean for the Steelers’ Quarterback Situation
The Steelers are navigating a complex quarterback situation where confidence in Rudolph is publicly professed but internally questioned. While the franchise waits on Aaron Rodgers’ decision, Rudolph’s familiarity with the team’s system and recent playoff performance make him a credible competitor to retain the starting job.
The tension between organizational rhetoric and on-field reality highlights the Steelers’ commitment to securing a proven veteran while not fully closing the door on Rudolph. How this balance unfolds in the coming weeks will have significant implications for the team’s strategy leading into training camp and the 2024 NFL season.