Former NFL Quarterback Shares Harsh Prediction For Steelers

If you ask Dan Orlovsky, Steelers fans better hope Aaron Rodgers takes his talents to Pittsburgh.

As it stands, Mason Rudolph is primed to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback to open the 2025 NFL season. Rudolph is plenty familiar with Pittsburgh after spending the first five seasons of his career with the storied franchise, but familiarity can only provide so much optimism. We’re talking about a signal-caller who only has 28 career touchdown passes to his credit.

As such, Orlovsky can’t help but be down on the idea of Rudolph leading the Steelers this campaign. The former NFL QB’s ESPN colleague, Louis Riddick, was asked Thursday if Pittsburgh’s supporting cast could help mask Rudolph’s shortcomings, which prompted Orlovsky to step in and share a pessimistic outlook.

“No. I think you’re staring at 0-6 in the face,” Orlovksy said, per Steelers Wire.

Pittsburgh opens the season with matchups against the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Orlovsky probably was a bit too harsh with his prediction, as only one of those teams made the playoffs last season, and just one has a legitimate superstar quarterback.

That said, Mike Tomlin and company probably shouldn’t be gearing up to send Rudolph out there and hope for the best. At this point, the Steelers seemingly need to go all-in to bring Rodgers aboard.