The Detroit Lions have a backup-quarterback problem, and Mason Rudolph’s name is suddenly in the mix.
With Teddy Bridgewater retired during training camp and Joshua Dobbs still not fully convincing in the preseason, Detroit is looking at the depth chart behind its starter and seeing some uncertainty. That’s why a quarterback trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers has surfaced as a possibility ahead of Week 1.
Christopher Kline of FanSided recently pointed to Rudolph as a trade candidate after Pittsburgh kept four quarterbacks on its roster. The Steelers are carrying Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar and Will Howard, and Kline sees Rudolph as the most likely one to be discussed.
“The Steelers kept all four quarterbacks on their roster: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar and Will Howard,” Kline wrote.
He added, “While Rodgers and probably Allar are the only names exempt from trade speculation, Rudolph feels more vulnerable than Howard at this stage. The latter didn’t exactly impress in preseason action, but he’s only in his second NFL season, with greater upside than Rudolph and plenty of organizational faith in his abilities.”
For Detroit, the appeal is straightforward: Rudolph has real experience. He’s entering his seventh NFL season and has 19 career starts under his belt, going 9-9-1 in those games. As a backup, he has completed 64.4% of his 738 career passes, with 30 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
That profile stacks up well next to Dobbs, who has a 62.8% completion rate in 15 career starts and a 3-12 record. Dobbs has thrown 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on 559 attempts.
The Lions also have rookie Luke Altmyer in the mix, but they seem willing to let him develop. Altmyer cleared waivers and returned to the practice squad, leaving Detroit with limited proven depth at the position.
A deal still wouldn’t be simple. Pittsburgh has young quarterbacks in Howard and Allar, but neither has NFL starting experience.
Rudolph gives the Steelers a veteran option behind Rodgers while the younger players continue to grow. Rodgers and Rudolph also give Pittsburgh experience for 2026, while Howard and Allar can keep pushing for larger roles.
So Detroit can make the call, but Pittsburgh may not be eager to move him. The Lions need stability behind their starter, and Rudolph fits the bill. The question is whether the asking price makes the whole thing work.
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