Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Aidan O'Connell

Wednesday, May 28, 11:59 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph opened OTAs with the first-team offense on Tuesday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. This news isn't much of a surprise, but it does confirm head coach Mike Tomlin's vision as full-team practices get underway this summer. Presumably, the starting quarterback job is Rudolph's to lose, barring an external quarterback addition such as Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins. Rudolph's internal competition comes from Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard. Thompson has completed just 58.7 percent of his career passes with one touchdown, three interceptions, and two fumbles. He primarily served as a backup over three seasons in Miami. Meanwhile, Howard is a rookie who impressed at Ohio State, but he has suboptimal draft capital as a sixth-round pick. On the other hand, Rudolph has shown flashes of potential during his time with the Steelers (2018-2023) and Titans (2024). In Tennessee last year, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Friday, August 8, 12:52 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell had an up-and-down preseason debut Thursday against the Seahawks, completing 18 of 30 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He found second-year running back Dylan Laube for a six-yard score in the third quarter but otherwise led the offense to just two field goals. O'Connell is competing to retain the backup role behind Geno Smith, but his inconsistency leaves the door open. Sixth-round rookie Cam Miller, drafted out of North Dakota State, is pushing for the job and could close the gap with a strong showing in upcoming games.