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

Wednesday, March 19, 1:18 PM

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to weigh all their options at the quarterback position for the 2025 season, including rolling with Mason Rudolph as their starter under center after bringing him back to the organization this offseason. Rudolph was drafted by the Steelers in the third round in 2018 out of Oklahoma State, is familiar with the organization and has good chemistry with receiver George Pickens. However, the 29-year-old is essentially game manager at the position and wouldn't give the offense as much upside as Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer. The Steelers are willing to wait on a decision from Rodgers and have prioritized the 41-year-old over re-signing Russell Wilson. Even if Pittsburgh lands Rodgers, it's not out of the question that they take a rookie signal-caller like Alabama's Jalen Milroe in the upcoming draft.

Friday, April 11, 12:07 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Geno Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason, but it's extremely team-friendly, and The Athletic's Vic Tafur thinks bringing in a young QB in this year's NFL draft to learn behind Smith makes sense. Tafur also thinks the Raiders might trade backup Aidan O'Connell on draft weekend. The Raiders have a clear out with Smith after 2026, as they guaranteed only $18.5 of his $26.5 million 2026 salary, and none of the $39.5 million he's due to make in 2027. Minority owner Tom Brady likes the idea of rookie QBs sitting and learning, and the Raiders will have some interesting options later in the draft in what is considered a down year for QBs. Tafur doesn't think it makes much sense to take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 overall, and a good number of QBs could be off the board by the team's second pick at No. 37 overall.