Steelers Insider Calls Mason Rudolph NFL’s Best Backup Quarterback ‘By Far’

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured some peace of mind by reuniting with Mason Rudolph, providing a steady understudy to Aaron Rodgers in 2025.

One media member believes Rudolph offers a luxury no other NFL team can match. Longtime Steelers writer Mark Kaboly, now serving as a correspondent to ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” made a bold proclamation about Rudolph during Monday’s radio appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

“There is not a better backup quarterback on a roster than (Rudolph) in the league,” Kaboly said. “It’s not even close. I went through it. Trust me.”

Kaboly cited Jameis Winston and a crowded Cleveland Browns quarterback room among the honorable mentions, but he scoffed at the notion of taking Joe Milton III over Rudolph. Furthermore, he thinks Rudolph may be as good, if not better than some first-stringers.

“You would have to believe the bottom tier of starters, he might be in there,” Kaboly added.

It’s a fairly significant label, as Kaboly is taking Rudolph over the likes of Kirk Cousins, Andy Dalton, Jimmy Garoppolo, Carson Wentz and Tyrod Taylor.

Rudolph didn’t make much noise in his first few years with the Steelers, but he enjoyed a coming-out party when steering Pittsburgh into the 2023 playoffs. The former third-round pick oversaw three straight victories to end the regular season by completing 53 of 71 passes for 716 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

That success landed him a contract with the Tennessee Titans, where he eventually replaced Will Levis. Rudolph recorded a modest 80.1 quarterback rating with nine touchdowns and nine picks in eight games.

Pittsburgh welcomed back Rudolph before signing Rodgers, so the 30-year-old represented a contingency plan if the Steelers didn’t add the four-time MVP or anyone else after losing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. They’re probably more comfortable with Rudolph returning in a familiar second-string role.

Rudolph took advantage of his first preseason reps, completing nine of 10 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s 31-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sylar Thompson also made a strong introduction to his new organization by going 20-of-28 for 233 yards and three touchdowns.

Kaboly wouldn’t budge on his Rudolph endorsement.

“Pull it up. You come up with one better than him as a backup quarterback,” Kaboly said. “He’s by far, I think, by far the best backup.”

More NFL: Mike Tomlin Makes Aaron Rodgers Admission On 2025 NFL Draft Strategy